A FESTIVAL THANK YOU Another festival has come and gone and unbelievably, next year’s festival is already in its planning stages. That would not be possible if we as a family of God did not come and work together as a family to make this year’sSaints Joachim and AnneParishCommunityFestivalanothertremendous success, despite the many tears from Heaven falling down upon us on Thursday and Friday. Even though we had the torrential rain, which did not stop the crowds coming from far and near to spend the evening with us to enjoy the food, entertainment, raffles, all of which were amazing, games, flea market and all the offerings our festival has. Saturday brought us beautiful weather along with the largest crowd. It was great to see children having fun eating their cotton candy and riding the rides, as it was to see memories being made by all. At this time, I would like to take this opportunity toTHANKthe entireFestivalTeam, the parishioners, businesses, parish ministries and organizations that donated and supported our parish financially, the volunteers and parish organizations that worked the booths, the volunteers that were on the festival grounds before, during and after the festival, the youth group, students from South Allegheny and Serra Catholic that come each and every year to assist with set up, tear down and help out in the booths nightly, members of the community that came to assist us during festival week to help wherever needed, the folks that brought towels that were in need during the heavy rains, to those that offered to bring dry clothes, and to all who supported our festival in any way. We all came together to ensureOURparish festival was an enormous success not only financially but as an event that everyone can come and enjoy food, fun and fellowship. I once again want toTHANKthe festival team, who have been working for months preparing and planning to make this successful!! You have been wonderful to work with and it is awesome that all three communities are represented on the team! They areGlennBonczek,VickieBudd,Amanda Crossen, Lynley Doonan, Patrick Fisher, Bernadette Grese, KevinHopkins,TonyHutskow,DarlaLosteter,Janice Matyasovsky,PatMuic,AnitaNiecgorski,MariAnne Palestra,BrianPhillips,GinaPicone,ChrisPonchak, Jeannie Premozic, Vickie Reitz, Melissa Riggs, Donna Ruhl, Judy Shriane, Lisa Sinay, Patty Smith, Lisa Spyra, Mary Stehle, Chris Uziel and Judy Zajicek. A special thank you to the Niecgorski and Spyra families and Sandy Palmer for all the assistance you gave for the festival. I cannot ask for a better group of folks!! You are the best!! Lastly, thank you to Father Wagner for your support. If you would like to be involved in the planning of the festival, please let me know. We welcome your ideas and input. Remember that this is your parish, and we are here to thrive as members of the Body of Christ, the Church. Save the Date: August 3, 4 & 5, 2023!!!! Cathy Esack, Festival Facilitator