The 65th Annual St. Mary’s Fall Festival is this weekend.
“The public is welcomed and wholeheartedly invited to join us,” a press release said. “We will be celebrating this tradition and community celebration the weekend of October 16-17, and we look for the turnout to be the best yet!”
The festivities begin on Friday, October 16, with the Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner kicking off at 5 p.m. The dinner will be held in the family life center/Columbus Hall until 7 p.m., with “take out dinners” available.
“The most exciting part of Friday evening is the live auction that begins at 7 p.m.,” the release said. “Attendees thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to bid on those prized items! Some up for bid this year are date nights and family fun packages, artwork, vintage glass and silver serving pieces, exercise equipment including a bow flex and elliptical, living room, bedroom, dining and outdoor furniture, handmade quilts and afghans, jewelry, golf clubs, and a craftsman 42” riding mower. And this is to name just a few!”
During the evening the St. Lucy’s silent auction will begin bidding on its treasures and run throughout the day Saturday. Children’s activities will also be available Friday evening during the auction.
On Saturday, October 17, the day will begin at 10 a.m. and due to the success of the extended hours last year, will continue until 6 p.m. again this year. The selection of festival foods is always a favorite, the press release said, and there are always so many options to choose from: American Grille, Hot Wings, Barbeque Chicken, The German Bier Garten, and the Spanish Food booth.
The silent auction will continue Saturday, and the Bake Shoppe, face painting, dried and fresh flowers including mums can be found on the festival grounds. Live entertainment by locals will be on the main stage beginning at 11 a.m. Highlights are: 11 a.m.—PMA Martial Arts Demonstration, 11:30—KCHS Dance Troupe, noon—Mt. Leconte Jug Band, 1-3 p.m.—Soul Candy and the Traffic Jam, 3 p.m.—Andy Howe Blues Group, and 4 p.m.—Max Souza and Mitchell Vinyard.
The release said St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be accepting your Thanksgiving food item donation, and you will receive a prize stamp which can be redeemed at the prize booth. St. Joseph’s Food pantry is a ministry at St. Mary’s that supplies food to those in need in the community.
Another of St. Mary’s outreach ministries, the White Elephant, will be open for business on Friday from 3-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Newly added fall and winter clothing will be available as well as Halloween and Christmas decorations. The Medic Blood Drive will also be onsite throughout the day Saturday accepting donors.
For more information, contact Festival Chairman Jeff Tidwell at (865)805-6251 or [email protected].
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