St. Nick's festival marks 40th anniversary
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
STRUTHERS
Forty years ago, a group of parishioners from St. Nicholas Church got together with the intention of organizing a church festival. Volunteers built booths and painted signs — many of which are still in use today — for the fledgling event.
Rosie Hollen, 65, has witnessed its entire history from her family’s pizza booth. Working the booth has sometimes been a challenge, she said, but an enjoyable one.
It’s practically a family reunion.
“You know everybody,” said Hollen, who has long been a parishioner of St. Nicholas, which is now part of Christ Our Savior Parish. “[The festival] is a really nice affair for Struthers.”
The Rev. Bob Bonnot, church pastor for six years, said reaching the 40th anniversary is “a great tribute to the people of the parish, [and] something the people of the parish made happen.”
“It’s a great community event,” Father Bonnot said. “People from all over Struthers and all over the area come to the festival because they know they’re going to be in a safe and secure setting and have good food and good rides.”
Additions to the festival this year include four evenings of bands, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 4471, and nightly door prize drawings.
As one of the parish’s largest fundraisers, the annual festival brings in $55,000 to $65,000, said Dan McCall, a festival chairman. But its success, financially speaking at least, depends largely on the weather.
“If the weather cooperates for all five days of the festival, you’re in luck,” McCall said.
He added that proceeds from the festival benefit the entire parish, including St. Nicholas School. Its most important function, however, is bringing together the community, which couldn’t happen without the festival’s hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
“It’s not about how much money you make,” McCall said. “It’s about making sure that people have fun and making sure that people are satisfied.”
Vince Angelilli, another festival chairman, said there have been some changes in the past 40 years, but most things — the important things — have remained the same.
“That festival in 1973 was supported by parishioners, teachers, family members, relatives. That’s the same thing we have today,” he said. “I want to see another 40 years — and I will see it continue, no matter what.”
The festival takes place June 12-16, and opens at 6 p.m. each day.