‘It brings everyone together’

From the Sunday, August 10, 2008, edition of the Northwest Herald:

‘It brings everyone together’
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – Five-year-old Natalie Wajs of Spring Grove barely could contain her excitement at St. John the Baptist Church’s Parishfest on Saturday.

Hours before the Hula Hoop contest – one of many “Olympic” events at the event – Natalie already was twirling a brightly colored hoop around her waist, gushing about her favorite parts of the festival.

“Playing games and getting bracelets,” Wajs said, as the Hula Hoop continued to whirl around her small body.

“She’s practicing,” said her grandmother, Theresa Wajs of Johnsburg.

Parishfest-goers enjoyed a number of other “track and field events” at the festival, including a softball game, bean bag toss and a children’s tricycle Big Wheel race. There also was a flea market, bingo, and plenty of food provided by the Knights of Columbus.

“They’ve got something for everyone,” said Sandy DeGroot of Johnsburg.

DeGroot enjoyed the festival with her mother, Sheila Bosshart, who said she most admired the feeling of community at the annual event.

“It’s community; it’s bringing everyone together,” Bosshart said.

The tricycle Big Wheel race was a big hit among children. Minutes after the race, Spring Grove resident Patty Slove’s five children came running to her, cheering. Slove also brought her neighbor, Donna Baxter, who attends a Lutheran Church in Richmond.

“It’s been a very nice experience,” Baxter said.

The festival continues until 5 p.m. today at Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 Church Ave., Johnsburg.

Today’s main attraction is a performance from 1 to 4 p.m. by New Odyssey, a musical trio that plays more than 30 instruments. After the performance, there will be tours of the church and cemetery.