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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAccording\nto Oscar Gamble, the chairperson and president of the Renaissance Committee of\nSaint Raphael Church, the fall festival is part of a longtime community\ntradition that has earned the honor of being one of Lee County’s premier\nevents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This\nyear we added a few more food vendors within our Latin section. Besides that,\nwe will have similar rides to last year. We have used the same carnival\nproviders since we began the festival in a small corner lot across the street\n25 years ago. Steve Lisko and his staff, who are in charge of the carnival,\ndoes a great job making sure that all the rides are safe and reliable,” Gamble\nsaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every\nyear the festival comes to life thanks to the talent and efforts of a team of\nvolunteers. The church is still accepting additional volunteers to be part of\nthis year’s event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The\nfestival is the backbone of St. Raphael Church. It not only provides the funds\nneeded for maintenance, and day to day expenses of the church itself, but is\nalso used locally, within Lee County through Catholic Charities, to aid in\ncommunity relief and provide services to those in need,” Gamble said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides\nan array of carnival rides, the event features an assortment of international\nfood booths — from Hispanic dishes to Italian pasta to German baked goods.\nEvery year the festival has expanded its food section to meet and satisfy the\nappetites of the diverse community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nfestival also features a variety of entertainment, including a mixture of\nbands, DJ’s and dance acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We\nhave DJ Luis on Thursday evening to kick off the event. He did our Jalapeno\nFestival last year and was a favorite among the attendees. We will also have\nFootnotes Dance and Music Studio back this year. They will perform on\nSaturday,” Gamble said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According\nto Gamble, a four-day arm band special can can be purchased for $45 at the\nchurch prior to Wednesday, Nov.13. Then the arm bands will go up to $55.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We\nalso have daily specials available for the festival, $30 per person. They can\nbe purchased at the ticket booths inside the festival,” Gamble said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nfestival has a bake sale and a silent auction each year that’s located inside\nthe church’s main hall. Guests get the chance to bid on unique local gifts\nthrough the silent auction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Items\nwill be displayed with prices for attendees to view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nsilent auction is scheduled for Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Donations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nchurch is accepting donations for goods and services to be auctioned at the\nfestival. Donations are tax deductable. Donated items must be in very good or\nnew conditions. Those who have an item they would like to donate can contact\nAlexandra Toledo (239) 896-3727 or email at alejandra.kerr@yahoo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Festival\ndays\/hours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n –\nThursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n –\nFriday, Nov. 15, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n –\nSaturday, Nov. 16, from noon to midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n –\nSunday, Nov. 17 from 1:30 to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On\nSunday food booth opens at noon and the festival opens at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n