St. Joseph The Worker Festival Was A Hit

Last weekend marked the unofficial start of summer for members of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Orefield, which held its annual parish festival.

The festival was held June 17 through June 19 in the parking lot of the parish center. The event, which raises money for the parish and school, brought out families and individuals of all ages. And although school had only recently let out, that didn’t stop St. Joseph students and their friends from turning out to their stomping grounds for the festival fun.

“My son is here with a friend who goes to school at St. Joseph’s,” said Jessica Kaschnatz. “We finally decided to see what the fuss was about this year, and now I see what we were missing.”

The parking lot was lined with food stands boasting typical festival fare, including snow cones, popcorn, steak sandwiches and, of course, funnel cakes. Games like the balloon dart, cork gun knock-em-down and plush pick kept the younger crowd busy, while mom and dad enjoyed visits to the liquor pick game and blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em tournament.

While the weekend usually marks the end of the workweek, it was just the start for dozens of volunteers manning the games, food stands and ticket booth.

“I look forward to volunteering here,” said one volunteer. “It gives me the chance to catch up with some people I haven’t seen in awhile.”

The festival also featured live entertainment acts, face painting by Central Catholic cheerleaders, caricatures by artist Donna Haney, pony rides and bingo.

Although most of the visitors and volunteers at the festival were repeat customers, the parish did have some newcomers.

“I had never been here before, but I heard about it,” said Mike Hamish. “I can guarantee we’ll be back for more next year.”