MAKE IT! Christmas Fair is big success for Council and LEO Kildare
MAKE IT! Kildare's newest Christmas Fair, promoting food, craft and giftware produced in County Kildare took place on Thursday last in Aras Chill Dara led by the teams in Local Enterprise Office Kildare and Kildare County Council.
Spread across 3 floors, food and craft producers from around the county showcased the finest in Kildare-made products.
Among the beautiful gifts and decadent treats, visitors found unique gifts, stocking fillers and exquisite food products for any upcoming Christmas parties – all of which had been hand-made in County Kildare.
Visitors met an array of crafts, from Irish timber home ware products, Amanda Christie’s statement interior lampshades and KT Metal Design’s unique figurines and gifts. The selection of food producer’s including The Superfood Makery, PS Coffee Roasters and Chilli Byrnes brought a unique selection of culinary gifts and treats for visitors to try.
“A well organised event by LEO Kildare. It was the first year to host a Christmas fair and there was plenty of beautiful products, arts, crafts and food producers- I met a lot of lovely business people as well as supportive customers, I will be back again next year!” - Roxanne of The Superfood Makery.
And to top that, le Skinny Chef - Aymar Gourdet, a French award-winning chef established in Ireland for over 20 years lead a cookery demonstration throughout the evening, cooking a Christmas themed meal with healthy, local food.
Visitors got to sample his signature flat mushroom and chicken liver basil bake, and a beautifully light Spiced Apple & Calvados Fondant dessert. Aymar also hinted that he is working on a cookbook for summer 2018!
TY Students from across our county are learning about the world of business by setting up their own enterprises through the Student Enterprise Programme with the Local Enterprise Office Kildare.
Student Enterprise projects were well represented at MAKE IT! A Newbridge College mini company ‘Candle with Care’ were selling their handmade candles, Coláiste Lorcáin Castledermot were represented by students from the mini company ‘Out of the Woods’ selling woodburning personalised decorations & plaques, while Naas CBS were represented by mini company Creative Cards selling handmade Christmas cards, along with last year’s finalists from Naas CBS selling their cookbook A Taste of Kildare.
Minister of State for Trade, Employment and Business, Pat Breen said: “Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, more than 150,000 students have benefitted and we want to keep nurturing Ireland’s future entrepreneurs and business leaders in the years to come. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the Irish economy and initiatives such as the Student Enterprise Programme are key to fostering a more enterprising culture.
"I would encourage principals and teachers to get in touch with their Local Enterprise Office, to find out how they can get involved in the next Student Enterprise Programme.”
Supporting Kildare’s local food and craft producers is a priority for Kildare County Council and one which it sees as a key factor in regenerating the a lot of our rural economy. The Enterprise Office of Kildare County Council seen the event as a tremendous opportunity to showcase over 40 of the best of food and craft producers from across the County.
LEO Kildare helps local producers of food, drink craft to develop and grow their businesses with a variety of measures including marketing and PR support, training and funding for growth.
LEO Kildare encouraged locals and visitors alike to continue supporting local produce and suppliers. Save the date for MAKE IT 2018!