St. Joseph celebrates

by Cori Hilsgen

news@thenewsleaders.com

A steady stream of cars and other vehicles started heading into St. Joseph about 5 p.m. July 3 to begin celebrating the annual Catholic church festival.

As the night continued, the crowd grew larger. Lines at the Joe Burger stand, Mexican stand, beer stand and others grew longer as people waited their turn to get a bite to eat and the picnic tables soon drew a crowd.

Local residents Al and Judy Thomes said they came to get Joe Burgers because they are so tasty.

Sartell residents Ben and Jessica Imdieke and their children Eva, 3, and Elliot, 1, enjoyed their food picnic style on the parish lawn. The Imdiekes met as college students at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict.

The ring toss and other games drew participants who hoped to be the lucky winners of a variety of prizes. Many people stopped in front of the church to view the pictures of quilts to be auctioned off.

Volunteers wearing yellow shirts, many who have been working the same stands for too many years to count, made their tasks look easy.

Volunteer Connie Horsch commented what a blessing the weather was and how she anticipated it would contribute to a successful festival.

Old friends greeted each other and stopped to catch up with new happenings. People perused the Handiwork and Craft stand, Country Store and Candy stand in the new parish center.

Local resident Judy Meyer stopped to admire a wooden bible case in the Country Store.

Pastor Jerome Tupa opened the festivities with prayer. As the band KJ and the Graduates started playing, people moved toward the many chairs placed in front of the grandstand, preparing to settle in for the night.

photo by Cori Hilsgen

Al and Judy Thomes show off their patriotic shirts as they wait in the Joe Burger line.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Sartell residents Ben and Jessica Imdieke and their children Eva, 3, and Elliot, 1, eat their food picnic-style on the parish lawn.