Saint Andrew Catholic School Festival
Saint Andrew Catholic School will host its big fundraiser over the next couple of days.
The Saint Andrew Catholic School Festival will kick off Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. on the school’s grounds. An annual celebration, the event features carnival rides, games and live entertainment.
Kara Holleran, communications chair, explained that this marks the 26th year for the event.
“This fundraiser is actually put on to assist with family tuition and school costs,” she said. “It’s our largest fundraiser – it’s the only one we do.”
The festival will continue at the school on Friday for an extra hour, running from 6 to 11 p.m. On Saturday, it will be open from noon to 11 p.m. and then again from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
For the first time, the celebration will remain open on Monday from noon to 10 p.m.
Holleran noted that public and private schools are closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“We thought it would be a great opportunity,” she said of extending the festival an extra day.
Admission and parking are free.
“We have thousands of people throughout the weekend,” Holleran said.
Organizers are expecting a great turnout this year.
“So far, with the pre-sale ticket bracelets, it appears it’s going to be a good year,” she said.
Last year, rainfall on Saturday night slowed down business a bit.
Pre-sale ride bracelets are currently available for $55 each up until 5 p.m. Thursday. At the opening of the festival and then for the remaining four days, the ride bracelets will be available for $75 each.
Ride bracelets entitle the wearer to unlimited rides during the entire five days.
Holleran encouraged the public to pick up their bracelets in advance at the discounted rate.
“Our vendor brought in nicer rides for the older kids,” she said. “Bigger, more thrill-seeking rides.”
“We kind of lost that over the last few years,” Holleran added.
The festival will still feature rides for the younger children, as well.
“There’s a ride for every age group,” she said.
For those without bracelets, single ride tickets will be available for purchase.
The celebration will also feature a variety of games and activities.
“There are tons of carnival games to play,” Holleran said.
The school even sets up a section for the younger kids where everyone is guaranteed a prize.
There will be a mix of live entertainment during the five days.
Some of the acts this year include local dance studios, high school bands and more.
“And the Saint Andrew School puts on the cutest talent show,” she said.
At night, a deejay will keep the attendees entertained.
A silent auction will also be held, with bidding to close at about 5 p.m. Sunday.
“It’s so much bigger this year,” Holleran said.
“We actually have a dog and a miniature pig to give away,” she added.
The other auction items range from themed baskets, to hotel and theme park giveaways.
Also on Sunday, a $10,000 raffle drawing will take place at 7 p.m.
“Winner does not have to be present to win,” Holleran said.
Tickets are $1 each for the raffle.
“We really haven’t had any local winners the last couple of years,” she said.
There will be food and drinks available on site, including a handful of local eateries.
“We’ve got 10 vendors this year,” Holleran said.
Last year, the festival had six vendors.
“It has definitely increased,” she said.
There are gator bites and Caribbean dishes, to Greek food and typical barbecue.
“It’s definitely a little bit of everything,” Holleran said.
Organizers encouraged the public to come out.
“Everything looks really good,” she said. “We’re anticipating a great weekend.”
Purchase ride bracelets at: saintandrewsfestival.com/buy-tickets/.
Parking is available at the church, Busey Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Cape Coral Breeze.
For more information, visit online at: saintandrewsfestival.com/.
Saint Andrew Catholic School is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd., S., just south of the Veterans Memorial Parkway overpass.