Fun and food at St. Anthony’s Feast

There were rides, games, food and live music at Saint Anthony’s Feast — more than enough fun for everybody. The festival took place at St. Anthony’s Church in Oceanside, from June 9 to June 12, with a Feast Mass on the last day.

Over 10,000 people attended the feast over four days, 500 people, mostly volunteers, manned the booths. According to Feast organizer John Fellin they brought in about $100,000 all of which goes to funding the parishes many programs.

“The planning begins in January,” Fellin said, “In February we establish our headquarters and the board who will run the Feast, then in April the tents are ordered and the local vendors contacted. Unlike most festivals, feasts and fairs we do not use concessions for our food and beverage sales. Rather volunteers purchase the food, prepare and staff the numerous booths. The rides are concessioned to All County Amusements. A special thanks to our major sponsors Oceanside Christopher Credit Union, Towers Funeral Home, Home Appliance and Dee’s Nursery.”

Fellin added the net proceeds help fund the day to day operation of the parish and help fund the many ministries of the parish which include the High School Youth Ministry, Bridges Junior High Ministry, Parish Outreach, Men’s Spirituality, music and prayer ministries.