ASHLAND (SNR) – St. Mary Parish in Ashland will host its inaugural “Harvest Fest” Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Organizers said the Harvest Fest will be a chance for the parish to serve the families in Ashland and the surrounding area with a meal, games for the kids, country market, silent auction, and Christian music. Harvest Fest funds will benefit the St. Mary CCD program, youth group, and building projects for the church building and grounds.
The dinner will feature sliced, smoked pork loin with au jus, country apple dressing, cheesy potato casserole, savory cottage green beans, autumn apple slaw, farmhouse classic cole slaw, homemade applesauce, rolls and butter and a variety of homemade desserts. The country market will offer handmade items as well as baked goods, jams, jellies, and other canned items.
The Harvest Fest will be open to the public and the parish considers it an opportunity to spread fellowship throughout the community.
Father William Holoubek, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Ashland and St. Joseph in Greenwood said fast-paced lives often prevent people from getting to know their neighbors well. A major benefit of the Harvest Fest, he said, is that by working together toward a common goal the people of the parish will get to know each other as true brothers and sisters of God’s family.
Parish members reached out to other churches that host similar events for their guidance, and said they were pleased to receive helpful information.
St. Mary Parish in Ashland, a town of more than 2,400 in southeast Saunders County, serves more than 170 registered families. Its mission parish is St. Joseph in Greenwood, which includes more than 40 registered families.
