IHM Festival offers chance at 2014 Chevy Cruze

June 5, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Robert Connelly

AUSTINTOWN

A chance for a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is among several highlights of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s annual festival that began Wednesday night.

“This is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the parish, so we wanted to offer something special for that,” the Rev. Ken Miller explained.

He said two parishioners approached him last July about the possibility of raffling off the Lordstown-built General Motors car. The car will be purchased through Austintown-based Greenwood Chevrolet, and the winner will be able to choose the color.

There will be only 2,500 raffle tickets sold, which Father Miller said could be sold out by Sunday night’s drawing of all raffles at the festival. If not, the drawing could be held in August during a “homecoming” celebration for alumni of the school and parishioners who have moved from the area.

The festival at 4490 Norquest Blvd. features free admission and runs from 5 to 11 p.m. today through Saturday and from 6 p.m. until a 10:30 p.m. fireworks show Sunday. After the fireworks, all raffles throughout the festival will be decided, including a $5,000 cash prize.

That grand prize is on top of daily $500 drawings, Father Miller said.

There are rides for kids and families to enjoy as well as a mechanical bull that Miller said is a hit among young adults. Homemade dinners are offered every night from 6 to 11 p.m. Father Miller said visitors can enjoy fruit cobbler, haluski [cabbage and noodles], and pasta and meatballs, among other offerings.

Live music will be offered nightly with Tune Weavers tonight, Following June on Friday, Eddie Vallus Polka Band on Saturday, and Guys Without Ties on Sunday.

A rummage sale is offered in the cafeteria throughout the event’s normal hours plus an added three-hour period from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Father Miller said the first two days of the festival are “more or less preview days ... maybe 500 to 700 people, but on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we usually get a couple thousand people.”

He said a new pictorial directory as well as technology improvements, including a new website, have highlighted the 60-year anniversary celebration.

Parking is available for free in a grassy area in the front of the St. Joseph/IHM school building off Norquest Boulevard.

Austintown Police Department members and volunteers will be helping to direct traffic.

For more information, visit IHM’s parish website, www.ihm-parish.com.