From the Saturday, August 9, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Church to host festival this weekend
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – Minnow races, tug-o’-war, and a musical performance by a trio that plays 30 instruments all are part of this weekend’s Parishfest hosted by St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg.

The Catholic parish presents its annual summer festival, renamed Parishfest, today and Sunday.

Members of the community are invited for food, music and family activities.

“We just want people to come out and have fun,” said Tony Piecz, festival organizer.

Today’s attractions include a flea market and parish Olympics – complete with balloon tosses, three-legged races, softball and other family-friendly activities.

“The first day is more of a ... family-fun sports day,” Piecz said. “We really want to bring people out with their families.”

Sunday’s main attraction is a performance from 1 to 4 p.m. by New Odyssey, a musical trio that plays more than 30 instruments.

Bingo will be played from noon to 5 p.m. both days on the parish campus, and players will have the chance to win gift cards. All other activities will be at Johnsburg Community Club across the street.

Piecz encouraged members of the community to come to the festival even if they weren’t members of the parish.

“It’s important to get everybody together and to show unity,” Piecz said.

Guided tours of the parish and cemetery will be offered at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, parish members also will have a parish life booth for newcomers interested in learning more about the church.

“We wanted to ensure we kept the parish as an integral part of the festival,” Piecz said.

Festival-goers also will have the chance to meet the Rev. Gerald Watt, who became pastor at the parish about a year ago.

Most activities are free, and there is no admission fee. Members of the Knights of Columbus will sell food and beverages both days, and alcohol will be served Sunday only.

If you go:
What: St. John the Baptist Church Parishfest.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. today; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 Church Ave., Johnsburg.