34th Annual St. Joseph Parish Festival Serves Up Neighborhood Fun in Dexter

St. Joseph's Parish in Dexter will hold its annual summer festival this weekend on the church grounds.

The 34th annual festival takes place from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and features games, live music entertainment, a classic car show and a craft show.

"A lot of people look forward to the festival every year," festival chairman Joe Veltri said. "We have something for young and old alike. It's a great way to spend a weekend with your neighbors and to celebrate our great community."

The festival kicks-off with a special concert titled "Broadway, Yesterday & Today," featuring performances by Linn Maxwell and Diane Penning of Ypsilanti. The concert will include songs from Cabaret, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Les Miserables and The Sound of Music. The show takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday inside the church, 6805 Mast Road. Tickets are $20 and will be sold at the door.

"It's going to be a nice concert, where people can come and relax, enjoy a glass of wine and have a pleasant evening singing along to some of Broadway's greatest hits," Veltri said.

On July 20, the teen café will feature an "all you can eat" pizza bar, inflatable games, Rock Band competitions, door prizes and more for $5. The café is open from 6-10 p.m. for teens ages 13 and up.

Also returning this year is the golf challenge from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Men will tee off from 80 yards out, women from 60 yards, and kids from 40 yards, aiming to land their ball within one of three target areas. The cost is $1 per shot, or five shots for $3. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Other activities include a classic car show from noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and the annual 5K Steeple Chase Race. An ice cream eating contest will take place on Sunday, sponsored by . In addition, a craft and vendor show, and Euchre Tournament will take place throughout the weekend. Euchre will be played every hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The entry fee is $10, and prizes will be awarded at the end of each hour.

Tickets will also be on sale for the parish's grand prize $5,000 raffle. Proceeds from food and raffle sales will be put toward the church expenses.

“Out of whatever our profit is, we donate 10 percent to local charities in the Dexter and Chelsea area and all around Washtenaw County,” Veltri said.

Entry to the festival and many of the activities is free, he said.

"Hopefully the weather cooperates and we have a lot of participation from the public this year," Veltri said. "The more people that come, the more money we can help raise for the community."

For more information, or to view a schedule of events, visit http://www.stjosfestival.com/. The church is located at 6805 Mast Road in Dexter. For more information, call 734-426-8483.