(Posted Aug. 2, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The St. Patrick Community Festival, set for Aug. 11-12, promises two days of live entertainment, food trucks, bourbon and wine tastings, games, and more.
The festival is open to the public and will take place at St. Patrick School, 226 Elm St., London. Admission is free. This year’s proceeds will go toward the purchase of new playground equipment and new furniture for the school’s elementary classrooms.
Festival hours are 6-10 p.m. both nights. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of food and drink, including bourbon tastings. The cost is $40 for four pours and a commemorative glass. A beer tent and food trucks are planned, as well. El Rey De Los Tacos and Greek Village will be set up both nights, along with the Knights of Columbus serving up their famous French fries. Layla’s Ice Cream will be on site Saturday night. Watch for cotton candy and popcorn, too.
Activities slated to take place both nights include face painting, bingo, a dunk tank, children’s games, a silent auction and raffle, and craft vendors.
Throws for the dunk tank are three for $1. Among those who will be up for dunking are London Mayor Pat Closser, a St. Patrick School teacher, and a Madison County sheriff’s deputy. A new person will perch on the wet seat each hour.
The Kids’ Game Zone will be located on the basketball court in the Froning Center. Wristbands are $10 per night and good for unlimited play. Carnival-type games and prizes are planned.
The silent auction will take place in the hallway outside the cafeteria. Themed baskets (car care, crafting, game night, and more) and experiences (golf and the like) will be up for bid. Organizers also will hold a raffle; among the featured items are two bourbon-themed baskets. Bidders and entrants do not need to be present to win.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Melissa Holloway, who is organizing this year’s festival with Cory Coburn and Karie Randall.
Crafters and other vendors will set up shop in the cafeteria. Spots are still available. The cost is $25 for a space without electric or $35 for a space with electric. Those prices are good for one night or both nights. To reserve a space, send an email to festival@stpatricklondon.org. The deadline is Aug. 10.
Visitors are invited to enter the watermelon eating contest on Friday and the whipped cream pie eating contest on Saturday. Both contests will take place during the live entertainment intermissions.
The Reagonomics, a band specializing in ‘80s New Wave music, will perform from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday night. Shakin’ and Stirred will play high-energy Top-40 pop, rock, and country tunes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday night.
Festival organizers will introduce Father Anthony Dinovo, the new priest at St. Patrick Catholic Church, during opening ceremonies on Friday night. Prior to the start of the festival on Saturday night, the public is welcome to attend Mass in the Froning Center at the school.
