The 50th annual Panacea carnival will be held at Pacelli High School from Sept. 6-8. (Metro Wire photo)

Community invited to 50th anniversary of Panacea

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — Pacelli Catholic Schools will host the 50th annual Panacea carnival from Sept. 6-8, offering a weekend of family fun, live music, and fundraising activities.

The event, held at Pacelli Catholic High School, is the largest annual fundraiser for the school, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting its nearly 800 students across childcare, preschool, and K-12 education programs.

Panacea will feature a variety of carnival rides suitable for all ages, from the smallest to the most daring thrill-seekers. Attendees can enjoy unlimited rides with a $25 wristband on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will also include the 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own partner and compete in either the competitive or social divisions. The entry fee is $40 per team.

Live music will be featured throughout the weekend, including performances by Tailwater on Friday night, Troy Reilly and the Spicy Tie Band on Saturday, and a Polka Pow Wow on Sunday, headlined by Brian Brueggen’s Mississippi Valley Dutchmen and the Ultimate Polka Band.

Central Wisconsin’s largest silent auction will take place in the Pacelli gym, with item viewing available Friday through Sunday. Online and mobile bidding will also be available, culminating in a pickup on Sunday evening.

Attendees can enter sweepstakes for a chance to win a new 2023 GMC Sierra Elevation, donated by Len Dudas Motors, or $30,000 in cash. Additional cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000 will also be awarded.

Additional activities include a Kid’s Corner with face painting. Food offerings will include a Friday fish fry, a Sunday chicken dinner catered by Ambrosia’s, and various other concessions such as bratwurst, burgers, cheese curds, and fresh baked goods.

A free shuttle bus will run throughout the event, with pickup and drop-off at Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH), to accommodate parking limitations due to construction on Maria Drive.

Community members are encouraged to support the event by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating auction items. Those interested can contact Jodi Napiwocki, Director of Advancement and Marketing, at [email protected] or 715-341-2445.

Panacea will run from 4-11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.