A Jennings County church fundraiser aims to benefit the community with a variety of fun offerings. St. Mary’s Fall Festival is Friday through Sept. 11.
“It’s always been a successful way to raise funds for St. Mary’s School and church, but you really don’t have to spend money to come. The music is free, the dancing is free and the lawn games are free,” said Sharlot Ertel, parish administrator at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in North Vernon.
She added that music is planned and people will have space to dance. Additionally, the festival will offer carnival attractions and food.
Lawn games are free and open to everyone, but the carnival games are available for a price.
Homemade baked goods will be on sale and flea market vendors will be available throughout the weekend. Donated items will be available for bidding in a silent auction format throughout the weekend.
Here are some daily highlights:
Friday
Music by Combo Nation, 7 to 11 p.m.
Carnival rides, 5 p.m. until closing. For $17 a day, each person can ride as many rides as they wish.
Beer garden.
All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5 to 8 p.m. The meal costs $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. It also includes french fries, slaw, green beans or macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese, and a beverage.
Saturday
Music by Soul Street.Carnival rides, 5 p.m. until closing.
Beer garden.
Outdoor grills to prepare sandwiches.
Casino night for those 18 years and older, 7 to 11 p.m.
Sunday
5K run, 8 a.m. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for students in Grade 8 or lower.All-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meal also includes side dishes, dessert and a beverage for $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
Carnival rides, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tribute at 2:30 p.m. in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Drawing for $7,000 cash, 4 p.m. Also three additional drawings for $1,000 each. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased for $5 each during the festival or in advance at the St. Mary’s parish office, 629 Clay St, North Vernon.
“We just want this to be a time for people to have fun and enjoy life,” Ertel said.
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WHAT: St. Mary’s Fall Festival
WHEN: Friday, Saturday and Sept. 11
WHERE: On the grounds of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 629 Clay St., and St. Mary’s School, 212 Washington St., both in North Vernon
WHO: Open to the public
HOW: Admission and several attractions free, carnival rides and food have costs
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