A Maricopa catholic church’s biggest party of the year takes place on a grand scale Feb. 2-4 with live music, dancing, raffles, a car show, dining and carnival rides.

It will be the first Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Community Festival-Carnival in three years after the pandemic shut it down. The church is at 18700 N. St. Gabriel Way.

The 14th annual event raises money for the church’s programs and charities.

“It’s for fellowship, really,” said the Rev. Fr. Jay Luczak. “People enjoy it. It’s just for people to come and have a good time. It’s a fundraiser. I think that comes second.”

The festivities include a full-blown carnival with rides and game booths. Mexican and American fare will be served.

KC and the Moonshine Band, Old Men’s Garage Band (OMG) and The Vibe, all local bands, will perform country and rock music.

There’s a full bar with games for adults, including wine spins and pull tabs.

A cash raffle, basket raffle and silent auctions will take place on the church’s acreage. A car show is also on tap.

Donations are encouraged and benefit the food bank.

The event starts at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, until 10 p.m. The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, and Sunday, Feb. 4, from noon to 9 p.m.

Alyson Cooney and Diana Ryan are the event’s coordinators.

The church’s parish has 1,700 families, according to Luczak.

Pre-sale of carnival ride tickets are $25, and each pass is good for one day. The prices will increase to $30 during the festival. Carnival ride tickets are available for purchase at the parish office during the week and after all weekend Masses.

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