Each year, during the last full weekend of June, Saint Patrick Parish holds its annual Festival. It started decades ago as a typical church picnic and has morphed into three days that offer a little something for everyone. Martha Hefferan-Snyder, the 2019 Festival Chairwoman, estimates more than 3,500 people came out during the weekend with Saturday seeing the biggest crowds.
Here’s a look what the 2019 Saint Patrick’s Festival was all about.
The Festival kicked off on Friday with a 5K run, Euchre Tournament and live music from The Adams Family. The 5K was a timed event that attracted participants of all ages and abilities. Some people ran; some people walked; and some people people hustled to the finish line with children in tow.
Each year, MyTeam Triumph participates as well. This non-profit makes it possible for those with disabilities to participate in road races and similar events.
After the race, Don Kurylowicz was recognized with the Dorothy Award. The award is given each year in honor of Dorothy Spedoski, a longtime St. Patrick Church parishioner who passed away in 2012. Despite being in her 80s and always finishing long after the other participants, Spedoski walked in every Festival 5K. In her honor, the Dorothy Award is now given annually to someone who exemplifies her spirit of perseverance.
On Saturday, the annual Festival auction was held as a fundraiser for tuition assistance at St. Patrick School and other parish needs.
Live auction items ranged from trips to Jamaica and Costa Rica to a fire pit and grill to sentimental pieces such as artwork made by school children and this refinished church pew. In addition to the live auction, a silent auction was also held.
Jason Lamoreaux, a parishioner and owner of Lamoreaux Auction and Appraisal LLC, kept the crowd entertained while moving through the extensive live auction catalog. As the auction wrapped up, the Kari Lynch Band took the stage and the Las Vegas Tent opened for festival-goers to test their skill in a game of cards.
Sunday was family fun day with inflatables and games for the kids.
Plus, several parish families brought a collection of animals for a petting zoo.
The Saint Patrick Festival is famous for its chicken dinner, and visitors could eat inside the church’s Parish Center or dine outside.
Those who were outside got to enjoy some polka tunes from the Stan Mroz Jr. Band.
And while no one was getting rich off playing Bingo, the thrill of victory was still something to celebrate.
The classic car and antique tractor show has long been a popular part of the Festival weekend.
This year’s show was larger than normal and included an expanded section of classic cars.
One of the most recent additions to the Saint Patrick Festival is a quilt show held in the church.
Handcrafted quilts covered every pew and were hung from the balcony of the historic church.
After a rainy start to the summer, the weather cooperated beautifully for the 2019 Saint Patrick’s Festival, and all in attendance appeared to enjoy the opportunity for some fun in the countryside. If you went to the Festival, tell us your favorite part in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
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