The popular church festival is visited by thousands annually and offers three days jammed pack with good food, entertainment and fun for all ages. Many years ago the ladies of the church did not have the facilities that we have today; so much of the food was made in parishioners’ homes by hand and brought on site. Although the quantities of food made today greatly surpass that which was made in th
e beginning, our homemade Italian food has always been the draw. Rita Christian Mothers prepare an abundance of food that is sold at the festival including meatballs, cavatelli, pizza, manicotti, meatball sandwich, hot sausage in sauce, grilled hot sausage sandwich with peppers and onions, fried fish or chicken sandwiches, french fries, provolone sticks, nachos with cheese, hot dogs or kielbasa and kraut, and pasta fagioli. Patrons can dine at one of the numerous picnic tables on site while they enjoy the fun, family atmosphere of the festival, or they can take food home. We also offer sweet treats such as fried dough, snow cones, cotton candy and hand dipped ice cream. The festival is geared toward family fun. Many of the games are a throwback in regards to prices, some of them costing as little as a quarter. We have many sponsors who are generous in their donations, and volunteers who return year after year which allow for us to keep prices very affordable. We are very grateful for all of the support that we receive. This is a meaningful event for the entire community as well as those from out of the area who attend. There is no admission charge and the entertainment is all free. We wish to continue this tradition and make it affordable for all who attend. May God Bless us as we continue our efforts to grow the festival and make it the Hot Event of the summer for Connellsville Natives and those in the surrounding communities.
