St. Christine’s brings community together

Desmond Marrow (left) and Kasondra Davis enjoyed fresh drinks and delicious food during St. Christine’s 59th annual Church festival July 1.

Judy Prosen (left), Cindy Goulish, Ron Goulish and Father Christopher Cicero auctioned off baskets during St. Christine’s 59th annual Church festival July 1.

Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Ray Chlement (left), sold popcorn during bingo with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Bridget, at the St. Christine’s 59th annual Church festival July 1.

Deon Johnson (left), Norman Cornwell (center) and Larry Dawson enjoyed the rides and being amongst friends during St. Christine’s 59th annual Church festival July 1.

Children posed with their grandmother and showed off thei prizes they won during St. Christine’s 59th annual Church festival July 1.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Families, friends and neighbors from all walks of life came together to have good clean fun during St. Christine’s 59th annual festival event June 29-July 1.
“It’s a good community event and makes our parish visible to the surrounding community. It’s a source of pride that we have something sustaining and it can last this long. It helps support our school and it’s a safe-gated event,” said Festival Committee member Debbie Esbenshade.
From children to adults, the event provided activities for everyone. Some of the activities included, bingo, gift basket raffles, games of chance and a $6,000 gift basket raffle.
“This experience is just awesome because you get to be with friends and family, and the food is great,” said Ryan Temnsky of Canfield.
The event was not only an opportunity for the surrounding community to have fun, but also a chance for St. Christine’s to highlight its dedication to their faith and charitable efforts.
“We hope that when people come here they experience that this is a parish community. They should see that we like to have fun, and we’re service-oriented. People could only be this committed to this because it means something to their faith,” said Associate Pastor, Fr. Christopher Cicero.
“The longevity, good reputation and long-time food vendors make this event a success. It’s a lot of work and gets stressful, but it’s a lot of fun,” Esbenshade said.