By C. H. Barton
Special to Inside
In a city marked with hundreds of summer festivals, St. Josaphat Parish's Summerfest event this weekend distinguishes itself from the pack. With bands and beer for the young at heart, bingo for the older crowds and two full weekend days devoted to kids and family activities, Summerfest delivers something for everyone.
"We define ourselves as a community by saying that we are a church to come home to. But Summerfest has given us such tremendous visibility that many people say this is the fest to come home to each year," said Father Dominic Grassi, the parish priest.
St. Josaphat's 14th annual Summerfest will be held on the parish grounds at 2311 N. Southport Ave. from 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 22.
SUBBands and beer
For veterans of Chicago's summer festival scene, one of the key questions is about which bands are playing when. Summerfest's band line-up offers popular attractions. For example, on Friday, June 20, at 6 p.m., hear Big Guitars from Memphis; and at 8 p.m., Michael McDermott. Among the musicians on Saturday, June 21, are: 3 p.m., Gary Stier Band; 5:30 p.m., Katie Todd Band; and 8 p.m., Hello Dave.
There is a central beer area with name brand beverages for those who imbibe and plenty of soft drinks, water and lemonade for others. In fact, one of Summerfest's enduring traditions is its food court. This year, there will be a number of great places to buy food and drink—from Phat Jo's which will feature both hot dogs and more discriminating fare, to local restaurant booths offering everything a fest-goer could eat.
SUBFamily Activities
Many of Summerfest's regular visitors include families because of the wealth of kid-oriented activities. For example, Saturday reprises Summerfest's popular KidsFest, on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 6 p.m. KidsFest includes a magic show, puppet show, ethnic dance opportunities, a tie-dyed t-shirt station and much more.
On Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the entire day is slated as Family Day. The parish will sponsor an outdoor mass at 10 a.m. on the parish grounds followed by an outdoor Sunday breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased on site. Designed to involve and include all families, the day will include a safety corner with the Chicago Fire Department, a fire safety presentation, police attendance, and a Sports Corner with team mascots from Chicago sports teams such as the Wolves and Blue Demons. In addition to games for prizes, there will also be face-painting, tae kwon do demonstrations and even a Frank Sinatra impersonator. On the fest main stage, karaoke is available and bingo will be set up for seniors and others.
Throughout the entire three-day festival, there will also be a Silent Auction, a Bistro for those who prefer a quiet, relaxed setting, food and beverage booths and a fest-wide raffle with cash and prizes, including a $5,000 cash first prize.
"Year after year, people tell us that the best part of Summerfest is how there is something for every age group," said Kelly Abeles Dowling, co-chair of the event with her husband Scott Dowling. "This festival truly brings together families and fun for a whole summer weekend."
For more information about St. Josaphat's Summerfest or to purchase advance tickets, call (773) 327-8955 or visit www.stjosaphat.com. The weekend is generously sponsored by a number of Chicago institutions including metromix.com, MidAmerica Bank, Coldwell Banker, Mr. Handyman, Millennium Financial, Lake Shore Funding, Three Floyds beer distributor, Jones & Cleary roofing and sheet metal and Chicago Bancorp.
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