Festival fun: St. Andrew Catholic School to put on annual extravaganza
Time is running out for people to purchase their unlimited ride bracelet for the 22nd annual St. Andrew Festival, which kicks off Thursday evening.
The four-day festival will take place on the grounds of the St. Andrew Catholic Church and School. The year’s largest fund-raiser for the school, it features carnival games, midway rides, area entertainment and more.
“We have a full midway of rides and games,” Principal David Perry said. “We have local entertainment scheduled for all the days, a large silent auction and $10,000 cash raffle. We’ve got local food vendors, as well as festival food.”
The hours of operation for the festival are from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Perry explained that the event is the main fund-raiser for the school.
“The money is really to help current families with financial assistance and provides longevity for the school into the future long-term,” he said.
Organizers hope to raise as much money as in previous years.
“We hope to have continued success,” Perry said.
Unlimited ride bracelets are available for purchase on the Web site at: www.SaintAndrewsFestival.com, even using a PayPal account, or from 3-6 p.m. Thursday on-site. The bracelets are not available after Thursday.
The bracelets cost $55 a piece and are good for all four days.
“If you plan on coming out for the day, the ride bracelet is a real value,” Perry said.
Entertainment throughout the festival will consist of local performers, such as a dance company or karate group, along with a headlining act each day.
Thursday is the Miss Cape Coral Pageant, Friday is a live game show with cash and prizes presented by DaBomb Entertainment, and Saturday is a live performance by Hung Jury from 8-11 p.m. They play classic rock ‘n’ roll.
Sunday is Juke Box Hero with deejay Chris Cammarota from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
“All the different local acts and talent that come and participate,” he said. “There’s something for everybody.”
The silent auction will open Friday and close on Sunday.
“The silent auction is a great place to get bargains,” Perry said.
There are overnight hotel stays and tickets to zoos and amusement parks, along with free and discounted services from local and statewide businesses.
“We have hundred of items,” he said. “There’s literally something for everyone.”
Tickets are currently on sale for the $1,000 cash raffle.
“Tickets have been on sale for about a month now,” Perry said.
Raffle tickets cost $2 a piece, three for $5 or 10 for $10.
The drawing will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Second place takes home $1,500, and third place gets $1,000.
The winners do not have to be present to collect.
“Obviously, we are trying to raise money, but also we’re doing something for the good of the community,” he said. “It’s a great family event.”
Perry pointed out the relationship between the school and community.
“This festival is kind of the highlight of that relationship,” he said.
“It’s a clean event. It’s a fun event,” Perry said.
A schedule of the entertainment and activities can be found online.
For more information, visit www.SaintAndrewsFestival.com or call 772-3922.
St. Andrew Catholic Church and School is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd.