The parish and school of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar have joined together to hold the congregation’s first community Fall Festival.
• What: St. Thomas Fall Festival
• When: Sunday, Sept. 21, from noon until 6 p.m.
• Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Church and surrounding area, with activity wristbands for purchase
• How much: Free
• Info: (518) 439-5573
A portion of Adams Place will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 21, in order to host the block party event.
“This is a way to bring people together to celebrate the season and the community we live in,” said Tom Kane, principal of St. Thomas.
The festival will take place on both the school and church campus, from Kenwood to Delaware Ave. Kane said this is one of the first community festivals the church has held in its 107-year existence, and the hope is to make it an annual event.
The children’s activity zone will include a rock climbing wall, giant inflatable slide, a bouncy pirate ship and a large selection of games with prizes. There will also be a wildlife exhibit, pony rides, a petting zoo and a wild bird demonstration, where people can have their photos taken.
Kane said the organizers want the community to see the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with friends. The day will feature live entertainment by local musicians such as Joey Pucci & The American Longboards and Raisinhead. Irish step dancers will also perform throughout the afternoon.
“This will act as a last get together for friends before the weather turns colder and winter sets in,” said Kane.
For the adults, a festival tent will feature an array of specialty beers, and one-of-a-kind cars will be featured in the car show arena.
Food will include barbecue chicken from Giffy’s, and the chefs of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub will be offering classic American fare like wings and hamburgers. Baked goods and apple cider will also be available for purchase, courtesy of volunteers from the church.
The Fall Festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, and is open to the public. Admission is free, with food, beverages and activities available for purchase. Unlimited access wristbands for all children’s activities may be purchased in advance for $15. On the day of the event, wristbands will cost $20.
Kane said all proceeds from the event would go toward the parish and school’s educational programs.
“All of our students are involved in outreach and volunteer initiatives throughout the area,” said Kane. “By helping us support our students, anything we earn goes back into the community.”
Orders for Giffy’s barbecue are advance sale only. For more information, to purchase advance sale wristbands or place an order for Giffy’s, call (518) 439-5573.