St. Andrew the Apostle’s Summerfest begins today

The annual celebration will feature food, music and an expanded games area for adults.

The grills are fired up, the homemade favorites are ready and volunteers are eager to welcome the community as St. Andrew the Apostle Parish’s annual Summerfest gets underway today at Parish Park.

The two-day festival, held at Parish Park, 110 Graham St., behind Dierken’s Pharmacy in Monongahela, brings together parishioners from Charleroi, Donora and Monongahela while welcoming families from throughout the Mon Valley for live entertainment, homemade food, games and fellowship.

“Summerfest is all about preserving the spirit and tradition that people have come to expect from St. Andrew the Apostle,” Business Manager Joe Caruso said. “Whether you’re here for the homemade food, the live entertainment or just to spend time with family and friends, you’ll find the same welcoming atmosphere and the same great food both inside the kitchen and throughout the festival grounds. We want everyone in the community to feel at home.”

The festival opens at 5 p.m. today, with live music by Six Gun Sally from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The celebration continues Saturday with an outdoor Mass at 4 p.m. in the pavilion before the festival opens at 5 p.m.

SteelBillies Red Hot Country will perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m. with festival bingo starting at 7 p.m.

Among this year’s new attractions is an expanded adult games area featuring blackjack and additional games, giving adults another opportunity to enjoy the festival while supporting the parish.

Children can enjoy games and activities designed especially for younger guests.

Visitors also can stop by a new ministry tent introducing St. Andrew the Apostle Parish’s Special Angels Ministry, led by Chris Buckley.

The ministry provides support, fellowship and resources for individuals with special needs and those who are neurodivergent, along with their families. The ministry will also raffle off a new Apple Watch during the festival.

Food continues to be one of Summerfest’s biggest draws. Parishioners and volunteers will serve everything from barbecue, wings and other picnic favorites to funnel cakes, ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Inside the kitchen, guests can enjoy homemade ethnic specialties including cabbage rolls, pierogis, polenta, eggplant Parmesan, pizza, meatball and sausage sandwiches. A bake sale stocked with homemade desserts will also be available throughout the weekend.

All proceeds from Summerfest benefit St. Andrew the Apostle Parish’s ministries, programs and outreach efforts throughout the community.

“Summerfest has always been about more than great food and entertainment,” Caruso said. “It’s a chance to bring people together, strengthen our community and share the ministries that make our parish special.

“We’re especially excited to introduce the Special Angels Ministry because it’s another way we’re reaching out to support families throughout the Mon Valley. We invite everyone to come out, have a great time and see what St. Andrew’s is all about.”

Parking is available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Guests with mobility concerns may be dropped off at the entrance to the festival.

This year’s Summerfest is sponsored by Vantage Corporation, Friday night’s presenting sponsor, and CJ’s Furniture and the Ron Amati family, Saturday’s presenting sponsors.