If you are looking for a fun and affordable event with something for the whole family, mark your calendars for the 5th annual St. Anthony's Parish Summer Festival which is taking place later this month in Windham.
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| The Fifth annual St. Anthony of Padua Summer Festival will be held on the grounds of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham on Saturday, June 27 and features live music, vendor booths, a silent auction, a yard sale, a plant sale, food, and raffles. FILE PHOTO |
Admission and parking are free, and visitors can browse vendors, enjoy entertainment and purchase food and raffle tickets throughout the day leading to a 4 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by a free community dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus.
Festival organizers say that food remains one of the biggest draws of the annual event. In addition to longtime favorites such as pizza, pasta and fried dough, this year's festival will feature authentic Salvadoran pupusas and homemade Thai egg rolls prepared by parishioners, as well as hamburgers and other classic American fare served by the Knights of Columbus. Homemade baked goods will also be available throughout the day.
Rosiana Davis, co-chair of the festival alongside Carol Kennie, said the event is designed not only for parish members but for the entire community.
“We really try to gear this toward the community, not just our church community, but the entire community,” Davis said. “Everyone is invited.”
In addition to the food offerings, guests can enjoy a large rummage sale, plant sale, bake sale, jewelry table, silent auction and children’s activities including face painting and games.
A new roulette-style prize game will make its debut this year, giving participants the chance to win prizes for just a dollar per play. The yard sale portion of the festival will also be open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, June 26 in the church hall.
Another returning favorite is the “Gift Tree” featuring about $500 worth of gift cards donated by parishioners and local businesses. Visitors can enter the raffle with tickets priced at $3 each, two for $5 or five for $10.
According to Davis, the festival has become increasingly popular in recent years because it offers families an inexpensive way to spend the day together while supporting the local community.
“I think people want to come because it is economical,” she said. “You can bring the whole family and not feel like it is an expensive event.”
She said organizers work hard to keep prices reasonable and affordable so that everyone has an opportunity to attend and take part in the festivities. Davis also emphasized the safe, welcoming atmosphere created by volunteers from across the three churches which make up St. Anthony of Padua Parish.
While proceeds from the event help support church maintenance and ministries, Davis said that the broader mission is strengthening connections throughout the community.
“This festival is put on with love and care for our community,” she said. “We want people to come together, have fun and feel welcome.”
Organizers encourage first-time visitors to stop by.
“Come check it out,” Davis said. “The food will be great, the people are very sweet, and it is a fun day for the whole family. With free admission, free parking and a full day of activities planned, organizers hope the community will come together once again to celebrate the start of summer while supporting the parish and its outreach efforts.” <
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