St. John in Fayetteville prepares for annual feast

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville will hold its annual church feast Sunday, Sept. 6, on the church grounds in Fayetteville.

The day will begin with Mass featuring polka music at 10 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Steve Sauser officiating. Local musicians will participate in the Mass by playing instruments and singing with the congregation.

A meal featuring barbecue beef and pork cut into bite-size pieces, sausage, potatoes, sauerkraut, beans, pickles and tea will be offered for $15. Serving will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Plates will be available through a drive-thru line, or visitors may park and pick up plates to go at the hall. Homemade pastries and kolaches will also be available for purchase, and visitors may browse the silent auction, live auction and other booths. The air-conditioned hall will be open for indoor dining.

Following Mass, local musicians will provide music under the pavilion until the auction begins. Visitors may dance or listen to the music.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., barbecue sandwiches, sausage wraps and nachos will be available throughout the afternoon.

The country auction will begin at 1:30 p.m. and typically features quilts, antiques, coins, livestock and other items. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to view auction items displayed under the pavilion.

Bingo will be played from 2-6 p.m. Other activities will include a cake wheel, silent auction, country store and a variety of children’s games.

This year’s feast will also feature a raffle with a grand prize of a $5,000 gift card and 45 additional gift card prizes. Drawing tickets are $10 each or six for $50.

Local church members will prepare more than 200 dozen fresh-baked kolaches in a variety of flavors. The kolaches will be available for purchase at the parish hall beginning at noon Saturday, Sept. 5. Any kolaches not sold Saturday, along with homemade pastries, will be available Sunday.

The feast has become a homecoming for many Fayetteville graduates and former residents. Pastor Steve Sauser and parishioners of St. John the Baptist invite the public to spend the day enjoying the meal, entertainment and family activities.

This year, a portion of proceeds from the St. John the Baptist Parish feast will be donated to Cathedral Oaks Worship and Retreat Center and Turtle Wings Foundation.

Fayetteville is centrally located between Austin, Houston and San Antonio. St. John’s Recreation Hall is located at 301 Bell St. in Fayetteville.