It's Fall Festival Time!
- Kathleen Mock
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
"There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Autumn is, without a doubt, my favorite season of the year. Growing up in Wisconsin, the fall foliage was breathtaking, and my family often took Sunday drives to enjoy the scenery. (If truth be told, I was not always fond of those hours-long road trips to nowhere, but they do have a lasting imprint in my memory). We don’t have the same opportunity in Southern California to see Mother Nature in all her glory, but that doesn’t stop most of us from decorating our homes with pumpkins, gourds, and the beautiful golds and rusts of the season, with the scent of pumpkin spice filling the air.
It is also Fall Festival time, not only in our community, but around the world. This tradition stems from the ancient practice of celebrating the harvest, where families gathered to give thanks for the abundance of crops yielded. The most well-known is Oktoberfest, which originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810, but over time, it evolved into a global celebration. Modern-day festivals usually include food, music, and games, but more importantly, they provide an opportunity for people to re-connect with one another and with their community.
We are social beings, and the need to belong is deeply ingrained in our DNA. Making connections in a meaningful community is important for us both psychologically and physically. For the past 20 years, St. Michael’s Parish, which includes both the church and the school, has put on a magnificent event, replete with sumptuous food, phenomenal entertainment, games, and a beer garden. This celebration is a much-anticipated tradition at our parish, often appealing to guests and visitors who want to partake in the festivities. It also draws many of our alumni back to their roots, and we are always eager to welcome their return (see Ms. McCready with alumni at the 2022 FF below). An event of this magnitude, however, requires a significant amount of support, both from volunteers and through attendance. While community-building is the primary goal, it is also one of the largest fundraisers of the year. How can you help?
Sign up to volunteer (sign-ups close Tuesday, October 7)
Purchase advance game/food tickets (purchase by Wednesday, October 8)
Encourage family, friends, and neighbors to attend – the more the merrier!
Purchase a raffle ticket to win a car, electronic bike, or CASH
Sponsor the event
COME TO FALL FESTIVAL!!!
The event runs this Friday, October 10 from 4:00 – 10:00 PM and Saturday, October 11 from 2:00 – 10:00 PM. I hope to see you all there! You will be glad you came.
Deo Gratias, Kathy
Volunteer -- Sign up by Tues, Oct. 7
Volunteering at the Festival is fun and a great opportunity for community-building. Sign up online through iVolunteer at the link below. Click the links for School Game Booths or Other Parish Booths (Includes: all Food Booths, Laser Tag, First Aid, Prizes, Decorations, Goodies, Beer Garden, Kitchen Prep, Ticket Sales, Set-Up, Tear-Down, etc.) Everyone is welcome to sign up in both areas in iVolunteer. The sign up links will close Tuesday, October 7.
Advance Ticket Sales (Games & Food) -- Purchase by Wed, Oct. 8
Purchasing tickets in advance saves you money and helps the parish defray planning and upfront fees for the Festival. Click the link below to purchase discounted ticket bundles in quantities of 60 or 100.
Raffle Tickets
Get your tickets today for the Fall Festival Grand Raffle! Enter to win and support the parish at the same time!
Prizes include:
Grand Prize -- Toyota of your choice at Toyota of Poway ($28,000 value) OR $12,500 CASH
2nd Prize -- E-bike valued at $3,000 OR $2,000 CASH
3rd Prize -- $500 CASH
Raffle Ticket prices:
$25 each
$100 for a 5-pack
Sponsorship
The Festival wouldn't be possible without our generous sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the Festival, please click the links below for more information.
