St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs will host a family festival the weekend of June 27th -30th. Before SJC Fest 2013 opens to the general public on Thursday evening, it will welcome groups of children and young adults with special needs for a free preview that afternoon.
Nearly 250 children and young adults from the Helping Hand Center in Countryside, the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR) and Seguin Services will have the carnival rides and games on St. John’s campus all to themselves between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. Wilson’s Family Show, the carnival operator, will provide special attention to the early guests and ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable time.
“Since this is a church sponsored event, we wanted to do something to give back to the community,” said Dan Madden, Co-Chair of the Fest’s Planning Committee. “When we contracted with the carnival company, we decided to work together to host the special preview. Having fun and serving others do not have to be mutually exclusive.”
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SJC Fest 2013 is actually a reprise of a Family Festival the parish hosted as part of its 50th Anniversary in 2011. The event was so popular that a group of parishioners suggested that it be repeated as a signature annual fundraising event. Proceeds from this year’s Fest will help defray the parish’s operating costs. In addition to carnival rides and games, SJC Fest 2013 will showcase food from local restaurants including Aurelio’s Pizza, Buona Beef and Uncle Bub’s BBQ.
Live music will be performed under a large tent that will cover the entire east portion of St. John’s parking lot. The bands include popular Chicago area groups: Maggie Speaks, Trippin Billies, Infinity and Suburban Cowboys. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available under the tent. Fest goers will also be able to purchase homemade goodies at an old-fashioned bake sale as well as participate in a raffle and silent auction.
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The hours for SJC Fest 2013 (and the entertainment schedule) are as follows:
Thursday, June 27 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Maggie Speaks 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Friday, June 28 5:00 pm – 12:00 midnight (Trippin Billies 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm)
Saturday, June 29 1:00 pm – 12:00 midnight (Infinity 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm)
Sunday, June 30 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm (Suburban Cowboys 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm)
“We have a lot of fun planned for Fest weekend,” said Connie, Madden, Co-Chair of the Planning Committee. “All of our parishioners and neighbors from the surrounding communities are invited to join us for some great food, great fun and great entertainment.”
Further details regarding SJC Fest 2013 are available by calling 708-292-1100 or visiting www.sjcfest.com.
