This year’s entertainment headliner is Cincinnati’s well-known, The Rusty Griswalds, which could cause a problem for festival organizers because of the band’s popularity. Construction at the Catholic school continues causing the festival grounds to become smaller.
“Adding better bands and smaller space probably wasn’t the best timing,” festival chairman Pete Olmsted said. “If we get good weather it should be interesting, but it should be a lot of fun.”
Goetta and burgers have been added to the menu, which also includes the signature fish fry, chicken dinners, brats, metts, Italian sausage, corn on the cob, sweets and the ever popular “Walking Taco.”
In addition to the headliners, festival-goers can also hear the Big Juicy Ham Band on Sunday evening, the Mason High School band and performances by Mason Idol winners. The Mason Comet Skippers, Gym Nation gymnastics and cheerleading and magician Tom Bemmes also will be on hand.
The grand raffle once again includes a chance to win $15,000 or a 2010 Volkswagen Golf or a Sea Ray 175 Sport Bowrider and trailer. In addition, three $100 cash prizes will be awarded.
The festival, depending on the weather, grosses between $300,000 and $400,000 a year for the parish.
And as with any church festival, there are games of chance for the adults and rides and kids games.
“They can have some fun and win a little something,” Olmsted said.
There will be some parking restrictions during the festival on Third, Fourth and Fifth avenues and South West Street, according to city officials.
The festival is open from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday; 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit www.stsusanna.org.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.
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