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St. Nicholas Church Festival opens 41st year in Struthers
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At left, Mark Cole throws his hands in the air, as Cody Rivera attempts to defy gravity while on a ride at the 41st annual St. Nicholas Church Festival on Wednesday evening. The two 10-year-olds, both of Youngstown, were among those who came out for the festival’s opening day, despite the threat of rain.
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
STRUTHERS
It took a few years, but Dan McCall has learned to accept the uncertainty of the weather.
Even Wednesday evening, when thunderstorms threatened to disrupt the first night of the 41st annual St. Nicholas Church Festival, McCall, the event’s chairman for the past six years, was calm.
If inclement weather was the case, the festival would just have to recoup its losses another night, he said.
“You let the weather come to you,” McCall explained. “There’s nothing you can do about it.”
Luckily, a brief downpour was all festival-goers had to deal with, and not long after the 6 p.m. gate opening, the midway was flooded with hundreds of people seeking food, rides and games.
Among them was Benita Fisher of Struthers. Four generations of her family have attended St. Nicholas Church, which joined with Holy Trinity Church in July 2011 to become Christ Our Savior Parish, and she’s been attending the festival practically since its start.
On Wednesday, she was accompanied by her husband, Don Fisher; their daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Brian Flood of Poland; and their granddaughters, 2-year-old Ava Flood and 4-year-old Alexis Flood. Both couples were married at St. Nicholas.
For that reason, Brian Flood said attending the festival with his daughters was almost like coming full circle. He also pointed out the “good, clean fun” there.
Benita Fisher added that she looked forward to introducing the family’s two youngest members to the rides and food. The girls already had preferences. Ava liked the spinning apple ride. Alexis favored the Ferris wheel along with the french fries and cotton candy. Benita Fisher chose cavatelli.
“We love the community — and, of course, the food,” she said.
McCall noted that one new addition to the myriad food offerings this year is the chicken wrap. In addition, the old, wooden food booths have been replaced by tents bedecked with new signage, allowing easier access, a cleaner appearance and closer proximity to other stands.
In one of those stands were Julia and Mario Delsignore, just two of the more than 200 volunteers. They’ve worked inside the fried-dough booth for the past 30 years, and said they most enjoy interacting with the people who stop by — the majority of whom are “very nice,” Julia Delsignore said.
“We like to help the church out,” she added. “We enjoy this.”
In contrast, Billy Sutak, who grew up in Struthers but now lives in Columbiana, was in his first night of working the event. He and his wife, Ronda Sutak, were in charge of the walking-taco booth, likely for the remainder of the festival, and Billy Sutak said he was excited to be back, having attended the annual event “a bunch of times” when he was younger.
Back for her 27th year was Betty McCullough, principal of St. Nicholas School, part of Lumen Christi Catholic Schools. Before becoming its principal, McCullough was a secretary and a teacher at the school, and said she loves seeing its graduates and their parents at the festival — and eating all the good food. She also appreciates the family atmosphere.
“There are lot of devoted, loyal people that support the festival,” she said, urging even more to volunteer. “It’s one of the best in town. ... It’s just a great week.”
The festival will continue through Sunday, opening at 6 p.m. each day on the church grounds, 764 Fifth St., and closing at 11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and at midnight Friday and Saturday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for senior citizens and free for children 12 and younger.