Annual festival marks Our Lady of Grace’s third anniversary

Three years ago Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church converted from a mission to a parish. To celebrate that anniversary, the church will host its 3rd Annual Community Festival and Carnival during the weekend of Jan. 29-31.

Mission Saint Francis de Sales made its transition to Our Lady of Grace in 2007, and Fr. Marcos C. Velasquez became its first pastor. Under his leadership the church has continued to grow, focusing on parish and community outreach. The festival is the church’s largest fundraising event to support those efforts.

Sun Valley Rides, LLC, will provide a Midway, including several large rides, carnival games and kiddie rides.

The parish is pre-selling passes, good for unlimited rides on any one specific day, for $15 per person until Jan. 26. The passes are available by calling the church at (520) 568-4605. During the festival, day-ride passes will cost $25 per person at the door.

Parish organizers will host several booths and exhibits. Games, food booths, a talent show, dancers, a DJ, clowns and kids’ games will all be part of the festivities. Those interested in the talent competition should contact the church for details. General admission is free.

Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. local musician Freddie Duran and his band will be performing.  Los Campesinos Mariachis will take center stage on Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30.

For additional festival information or mass times, contact the church at (520) 568-4605.

If you go:

What:  Our Lady of Grace Third Annual Festival and Carnival
Where:  45295 W. Honeycutt Ave. (across from Maricopa High School)
When:  Friday-Sunday, Jan. 29-31
· Friday: Jan. 29, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
· Saturday: Jan. 30, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
· Sunday: Jan. 31, noon–7 p.m.
Cost:  Free admission; all-day ride passes $15 per person prior to the festival, $25 at the door

Photo by Michael K. Rich