Organisers of centenary celebrations at St Eunan's Cathedral in Letterkenny have decided to borrow an idea from their ancestors to mark the event and help raise funds for refurbishment.
In 1898, when the cathedral was being built, a seven-day fair attracting people from all parts of the county was held in the grounds. Livestock, vegetables, crafts and home baking were sold at the Aonach.
Each parish was allocated a stall and competed with each other to see who could raise the most money. At a time when Donegal had a train service, there were special fares for people going to the fair and the organising committee also negotiated reduced rates for people making the boat trip from Glasgow.
An Dara Aonach or Second Fair is taking place tomorrow in the grounds of the Loreto Convent beside the cathedral. Again, groups from different areas will be setting up stalls selling bric-a-brac, silverware, home baking and crafts and there will be music and dancing.
One of the organisers, Mr Niall O'Donnell, said the main aim was to organise an enjoyable family day out rather than raise money. "We hope that in 50 years' time the children who are running around now will be able to look back and say they had a great day to mark the centenary of the cathedral," he said.
Mr O'Donnell said members of the Church of Ireland had given great support and would be running some of the stalls.
Fundraising continues to meet a bill of about £200,000 for work to the roof, bells and grounds. He said the committee had received a lot of support, as the cathedral held a "special place" in the hearts of Letterkenny people.
"It is the focal point - it is where they were baptised, married. The spire is the first thing you see as you approach the town. Emigrants in America and Australia have sent back cheques for up to £5,000," said Mr O'Donnell.
An Dara Aonach starts at 3 p.m. and other events and Masses to mark the centenary continue until June 17th.