There were a lot of businesses looking for stands/tents. Many had been here last year but there were a good few new ones. The message must have gone out from last year of the benefits of a stand, particularly for those who didn't have a shopfront as such during the year, and also those who are not normally located in the village centre. Whatever the score, there was buckets of business.

A lot, but not all, appear in the photos below. If you want to contact any of these, or other businesses who are members of the Raheny Business Association you should get phone numbers and, where applicable, email or web addresses, in the RBA Directory.

First, to open the Festival. Barry did the "I now declare" bit to perfection and away we all went to a flying start.

Our pilots for the day. The excellent PA system which spanned all Festival locations and the wider relaying of activities over NearFM.

Near 90FM, our local radio station on FM 90.3, not only relays much of the Festival but supports communities over a wide area of the Northside all through the year. Take a bow.

So why not kick off with Country Markets which brings us local produce once a week from its refuge in All Saints' Hall. I gather they did a whack of business at the Festival. Good on them.

McMahon's Foodstore, currently celebrating its fiftieth year in Raheny. Hi Tara, you're in this picture. Missed you in the Fiftieth one.

The Watermill Steakhouse stand outside the Watermill itself, formerly the Green Dolphin. To give you an idea of the sort of community connections provoked by the Festival: last year I sent my cousin, who lives in Raheny, a link to my report on the Festival. She emailed me back that it was her daughter on the Watermill stand and I had taken her photo without recognising her. So, Raheny Festival heightens family awareness.

The cooking end of the Watermill Steakhouse stand.

Doc Morris Pharmacy, located in Frieda's old premises, but now a spanking new interior, had a stand in front of Doc Morris Pharmacy. So, even those with shopfronts, rose to the occasion and came out to meet the people. This was a fairly common feature of the Festival.

Smyth's butchers did the same. I'm still trying to figure out is June looking at me and daring me to click the shutter.

Blossom Ireland was on the pitch once again this year. This is a charity which helps special needs children and it has loads of local activities throughout the year.

SOS Dental (Se�n � Seachnasa�) just briefly coming down to ground level. A clever play on words and a memorable sign.

I was taken with the sign at O'Connor's Dentists. I'm not sure if I misread it, but I just wondered if I smiled sincerely and showed my false teeth would I stand a chance of winning the prize. I didn't pursue it any further but suspect the competition might have been more akin to the old fashion show competition in the Sunday Independent of yore.

The Mulino Restaurant on Watermill Road. Another clever play on words. Situated where the old Raheny Hardware used to be.

And Raheny had no hardware for years. But, WHOOSH, Expert Hardware to the rescue, now set up beside the Library. The tacks may be in the post but everything else is in the shop. I'm used to going in there and saying "I suppose you won't have X but I just thought I'd ask". And the immediate response "What size and colour do you want". Full marks to John. I'll catch him out one of these days.

Home to Home Cr�che are fronting this clown who went down very well with the children during the day.

Haven Interiors also came downstairs for the day. They have moved in to the old Xtravision premises beside Supervalu.

As did Angelz Hair Salon, who are also Haven's next door neighbours on the first floor.

Chic Boutique offering half price bargains.

Creature comforts for all sizes of canines.

Carvill Rickard Solicitors are where Reynolds Newsagents used to be at the top of Main Street. Their presence here testifies to the fact that solicitors can now advertise. So we'll move on and give some of the competition a look in.

Gaffney Halligan Solicitors, above McArdle's Pharmacy (Doc Morris to you).

Curiosity killed the cat. This chap looks safe enough for the moment.

Patrick points out a likely model to a possible client at the Windsor Motors stand.

McHugh's Wine and Dine offer a wee free tipple.

Paper Pieces opted to stay put but went for an intensive display of festive balloons.

As did the River Caf� in the main car park at the back of Supervalu.

One non-member whose brief dalliance was indulged by the local Garda was a passing Mr Whippy. This indulgence was much appreciated by the children and was a significant contribution to community relations in the future. It very much reflected the relaxed atmosphere of the day.

However, there is no way this can become a precedent. It was a once off happenstance. Future aspirants please note, no repeat. He was blocking the cycle track. He was effectively pitching a stand at the Festival without paying the rent. And if he, however accidentally poisoned someone the Festival would be blamed and have little or no comeback. All of which is why the Garda moved him on after his brief innings satisfied the initial childrens' clamour.