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St. Charles festival is community tradition
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .The "money wheel" was a popular game at St. Charles' festival. St. Charles volunteers helped with conducting the game.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Canfield's Alex Zordich won in a game of Lucky Duck at St. Charles' festival. The festival was from June 24 until June 27.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Residents from Boardman, Struthers and Canfield enjoyed the festivities of St. Charles' festival. It featured games, rides, food and raffles.
Boardman is full of strong traditions. Church festivals are one of them.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish held its 20th annual festival June 24-27. This four-day fundraiser was used to raise money for the parish’s general fund. The fund is used to service the needs of the church and school.
According to church officials, the festival attracted 4,510 attendees, which was said to be a little low compared to recent years.
The festival featured games, raffles, rides and more than 10 concession stands. The closing night was celebrated with fireworks, provided by Colonial Fireworks from Toledo and a raffle drawing for $3,000.
The festival began in 1990 when the parish decided it needed a new avenue to raise funds for the church and its school. Since then, it has become a Boardman tradition many residents mark on their calendars.
St. Charles parish member Tom Poplar said carnival-goers may have something new to look forward to for next year’s festival. The parish will be meeting this month to discuss new and fresh ideas to make the annual festival more exciting.
“We might want to present a different look or new activities,” Poplar said. “I don’t know what ideas will come out of the meeting.”
Many are satisfied with how the festival has been over the years. Canfield resident Amy Fields has been attending the festival for 18 years. She said she has always enjoyed the friendly faces and the convenient location. Fields brought her grandchildren to the festival who enjoyed the games, cotton candy and the rides.
“They were really excited to come,” she said. “They get a kick out of merry-go-round.”