Our Lady Queen of Peace prepares for first Family Festival
HEWITT — Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Parish is planning its first family festival to take place on Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9, 2013.
The parishioners, local businesses, and service organizations are working together to create three days of affordable, family-centered fun designed to engage all generations from tots to seniors.
In this "Year of Faith," Fr. Michael Rodak, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace, emphasized the importance of family.
“There is no doubt that today’s family is at a crossroad. Studies show that the family is too busy, sharing less time with each other,” wrote Rodak.
He went on to encouraged parishioners to “spend more time as a family. Eat a family meal; get to know each other, and each other’s lives."
His decision to switch from the annual carnival to a family festival was an easy one. Festival events will include games, ethnic foods, music, dancing and contests including a bake-off and an antique car show. There are activities to engage everyone, whether as a participant or an observer, Rodak stated.
“We want to provide a venue where all families in the community, Catholic or not, enjoy a day, an evening, or a weekend sharing time together.”
Dan Janelli and John Trahan, co-chairs of the festival, researched parish family festivals.
“Great music is essential for a successful event, so we’ve got Thunder Hill, a country band, on Friday, Reminisce, New Jersey’s number one oldies band on Saturday, and our local teen talent on Sunday, all performing under the big tent. Rain or shine, we are ready to go!” said Janelli.
“There will be vendors, crafters, a flea market, pine-box derby, bake-off, dog show, petting zoo, pie-eating contest, and more,” added Trahan.
The festival will provide residents something new and different to bring families together for a memorable, weekend event, organizers said.
Those wishing to reserve a booth, volunteer, or learn more should visit www.olqpnj.org or call 973-728-8162.
Our Lady Queen of Peace is located at 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt.