Holy Spirit announces parish festival

By Patrick Lynn

SpiritFEST returns to Holy Spirit Parish on July 28.

This year’s event kicks off with a Polka Mass at 10 a.m., with music from Old Time Brass and the Choraleers.

Foodservice begins at 10:30 in the church basement, with homemade chicken soup and a chicken-dinner-style lunch, through 1 p.m. At 11 a.m., the food and beverage tent will open in the church parking lot, offering brisket sandwiches, burgers, brats, fries, and cheese curds for sale.

Bingo will be held in the church basement from 2-4 p.m. Other events include a cakewalk, a special book/media sale, and from 12-3 p.m., a free petting zoo.

Live music will be provided by Old Time Brass (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Gray Catz (2-5 p.m.).

Silent and cash raffles will be available, with a top prize of $5,000 cash.

“SpiritFEST is a wonderful way to build community by gathering together for worship, food, and socialization,” said Brant Bergeron, SpiritFEST committee chairman. “This year, we don’t want anyone to be ‘scared away’ by the construction of our new ministry center next to the church.”

Bergeron said there will be plenty of parking in the nearby parking lots of St. Michael’s Hospital and the UWSP University Center.

“The streets around the church will be closed to create a great ‘street festival’ atmosphere,” he added.

Holy Spirit Parish, also known as St. Stanislaus Church, is located at 838 Fremont St. The event is open to the public.