Dan Howard, left, and his wife, Teresa Howard, of Winfield Township, listen to the Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band on Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023, at the Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

WINFIELD TWP — Dan Howard said he understands the worries a person might have when a loved one starts living in a retirement community or assisted-living home, but the one where he lives was open to everybody on Sunday, July 30.

Concordia Lutheran Ministries had its 142nd summer festival Sunday, which had activities that could be enjoyed by residents of its community as well as families and children. Howard said the event was a good way to show the positive aspects of the center for aging services.

“It brings the families of people who live here and makes them feel good about having family here,” said Howard, a three-year resident at Concordia. “It shows people the flavor here.”

Frank Skrip, director of public relations for Concordia Lutheran Ministries, said the summer festival began early on in Concordia’s history, but initially was a fundraiser for its orphanage. Over the years, the organization’s causes changed slightly, but the festival continued to be held each summer.

Aside from the activities offered during the festival, visitors could also take a tour of Concordia’s facilities, in case they might one day move in.

“Now it’s just one way we like to give back and invite the community in,” Skrip said. “Everything still ties back to our mission; that’s why we still do the worship service.”

Tents were set up in the parking area behind the residence towers at Concordia. Dozens of employees of Concordia wearing bright yellow “event staff” shirts manned the grills and children’s games as others circled the parking lots in golf carts transporting people to the main hub of activity.

Several tables under the main tent were reserved for Concordia community and assisted-living residents, who got to sit close to the music and food.

The Kelly family, of Saxonburg, spent the day fishing in the pond at the center. Amber Kelly said her two children, 9-year-old Avery and 7-year-old Alden, were looking forward to the event just for the fishing.

“It’s our first time at this event; they wanted to check out the fishing,” Kelly said. “It’s nice, fishing is their favorite thing now.”

In addition to children’s activities, the festival also featured a car show.

Gary Hancock, of Cabot, said his wife used to work at Concordia, and he has brought vehicles to the festival for several years. This year, he brought a 2019 Mustang GT, which featured a horn that sounded like a horse when activated.

“My wife had worked here for 34 years, so I still come out,” Hancock said. “The kids get a kick out of the horn.”

The event was scheduled to conclude with a worship service and a “state of Concordia” address, according to Skrip. Just about a half-hour into the festival, Skrip said the event’s purpose of bringing people together for a fun summer day was being fulfilled.

“Some people stay for the worship service, some don’t; we just want to make sure everyone feels the love,” he said.

Bill Reichert, of Butler, vocalist for Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band, sings for attendees on Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023 at the 142nd Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Alden Kelly, 7, of Saxonburg, casts out a fishing line on Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023, at the 142nd Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Avery Kelly, 9, holds up a fish he caught Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the Concordia Summer Festival, standing next to his brother, 7-year-old Alden, both of Saxonburg, at the 142nd Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band play Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023, at the 142nd Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Jim Weber, of Saxonburg, drives his 1969 Dodge GTX into a car show Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023, at the 142nd Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

From left, Sarah Bergman, Robert Bergman and 1-year-old Liam, all of West Deer, look at Gary Hancock's 2019 Ford Mustang at the car show on Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023, at the Concordia Summer Festival. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle