St. John Neumann preps for SonFest June 15-16
Last Updated on Monday, 18 June 2012 08:06 23 May 2012
CHARLOTTE — People from around the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to attend the two-day SonFest 2012 at St. John Neumann Church June 15-16. The festival will feature music, games, rides, raffles, drawings, foods from countries around the world and handmade crafts from local artisans.
This is the second year the parish is hosting the festival, which will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 15, and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Father Pat Hoare, pastor of St. John Neumann Church explains how the festival got started.
"Sonfest began last year as a way to bring the parish closer together by working toward a common goal," he said. "Our goal was simple – to bring the many parts of our culturally and generationally diverse community and to produce an event that not only our own parishioners could enjoy but could be shared by the greater Charlotte community, especially those looking for wholesome and family-friendly fun."
Last year was a huge success despite the hard work, and Father Hoare received many comments, both from within and from outside the parish, that it was the best Church event they had been to in years.
"It reminded them of the days years ago when a summer church fair was something that everyone in the neighborhood looked forward to," he explained.
"What was most impressive was that a few commented that it appeared as though we had been doing this for years. They couldn't believe it was our first time."
Father Hoare is confident that this year's festival will be even better.
"We are especially excited about the smorgasbord of ethnic foods, sure to make your mouth water! There will be games, rides, bingo and lots of music and entertainment – something for everyone!"
He says the parish hopes to use any proceeds it makes this year to "continue to provide a beautiful Catholic parish home for southeast and east Charlotte, Matthews and Mint Hill, and to expand our already great youth programs and adult education opportunities."
Admission to SonFest 2012 is free. Food, games and rides are available for a small fee. The church is located at 8451 Idlewild Road.
For more information about SonFest 2012, go to www.4sjnc.org.
— SueAnn Howell, Staff writer