Church kicks off festival
ZELIENOPLE — Mother Nature didn't put a damper on festivities at St. Gregory parish.
The annual St. Gregory Lawn Fete, which attracts an average of 300 parishioners and residents, kicked off Thursday evening despite rainy conditions.
“We really look forward to it,” said festival organizer Laura Cristalli. “It provides fun, inexpensive activities locally.”
Cristalli, who has volunteered at the festival for 18 years, said people from the borough, Harmony, Cranberry Township and Evans City attend each year.
“We try to emphasize the community aspect,” Cristalli said.
Organizers said the parish gets about $30,000 on average from the festival, making it the church's biggest fundraiser.
Proceeds go to help either the parish or the elementary school, depending on each's financial needs.
About 100 volunteers help with the 30 game booths and concession stands.
One of those is borough manager Don Pepe.
“We're glad the weather held off,” Pepe said Thursday. “It's a great festival for the town.”
Dinners also are served, with tonight's dinner being fish. Saturday's dinner will be barbecue chicken.
This year's festival is the first for the Rev. Michael Roche as the parish's priest. He attended last year before replacing the retired Rev. Larry Smith.
“I think it's a beautiful moment for the community to come together and live in unity,” Roche said.
Popular attractions made their return, including a moonwalk, a giant inflatable slide, an auction and a money raffle. Family friendly games include sling shot, ring toss, basketball and bingo among others.
Bands and entertainment groups also are scheduled for all three evenings.
Thursday saw the Bell School of Irish Dance perform on a rainy night. The Wexford-based troupe featured about 15 children from ages 6 to 13 dancing to traditional Irish folk music.
“We're happy to be here,” said Irish Dance teacher Corey Hudson. “We're always glad to perform for the community. “
Midway through the performance, rain began falling and cut one of the troupe's routines short. However, the show went on as the shower passed and the sun started to peek through the clouds.
Today will feature The Strand-Tastics and the Zelienople-based The Hour Band.
Siri's School of Dance and Zelienople band This, That & the Other Thing will perform Saturday.
Information about the festival can be found on the borough website's calendar or at www.stgreglawnfete.com.
