A GOOD TIME BY ALL — Hundreds of people, young and old, flocked to Litomysl for the 40th Annual Summer Festival July 31. Pick up a copy of this week's Star Eagle for a color photo page of the event. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Litomysl holds annual Summer Festival
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Where can you combine Mass, school, music, games, auctions, eats and treats, a flea market, face painting, pony rides, raffles, pull tabs, wagon rides, and even beer?
You may not be able to find it on a map, but miles and miles of motor vehicles line County Road 4 and 24th Avenue Southeast in rural Owatonna for the Annual Litomysl Summer Festival.
"Every year it gets bigger, and bigger," Hope resident Dale Wilker said.
On Sunday, July 31st, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Litomysl held its 40th Annual fundraiser. The funds raised help support the parish and St. Isidore school. St. Isidore houses the preschool through fifth grade, and is also the patron saint of farmers.
This family fun day kicked off at 10 a.m. with the Litomyslaneous Group in a Polka Mass. Also participating in the morning mass were the Owatonna Knights of Columbus #945's Fourth Degree Knights.
"The 140 parish families work so hard to put the festival together," said Sister Del Marie of St. Cloud. "I enjoy seeing relatives, parish members, and love the Czech old-time music."
Music echoed throughout the grounds. Hans Hohrman dazzled visitors with his accordion on the school grounds, while Laverne's Concertina and the Czech Lites entertained the crowd when they took the stage, north of the church. The Klecker Band delighted listeners inside the church.
"People are nice, and the food is good," Waseca resident Brian Battenfeld said.
Participants had several food choices from the many food booths available to delight anyone’s appetite. Vendors offered walking tacos, burgers, brats, hot dogs, pork rib sandwiches to shaved ham or turkey sandwiches with all the fixings served in the church, topping it off with homemade pie.
"I like the candy," exclaimed 4-year-old Maxwell Wilson of Medford.
"I can't wait to play the root beer barrel game," 14-year-old Noah Battenfeld of Waseca chirped.
Several individuals and businesses donated prizes for plinko, bingo, spin the wheel, fish pond, live pony rides, dime toss and the famous root beer barrel game. People of all ages eagerly awaited their turn at the games they choose to partake.
Guests could also purchase a wide array of homemade baked goods, garden produce, refreshments including root beer floats, soda, cocktails, beer, and good ol' H20 to quench their thirst.
In addition, the opportunity to view old gas engine, water pump action, and horseshoe making displays were readily delivered. The Litomysl festival also included a live auction and silent auction with hundreds of old and new items for participants to bid on.
The "Big Ticket" winner for the queen size "Turning Twenties" quilt was Kay Violante of Edina, and the lucky raffle recipient of the Toro riding lawn mower was Mantorville resident Judy McAdams.
"Every year there is something different to do," said Bonnie Hanson of Moose Lake, Minnesota.
Young or old, a grand time is had by all who attend the annual Litomysl festival.
