Even after 30 years, the St. Gerard Majella Parish Festival in Penn Hills still draws crowds in the hundreds each night of its four-day run.
This year's festival, which began Wednesday and runs through Saturday in the lower-rear parking lot of the church at 121 Dawn Drive, will be no different, parish festival committee member Jim Ruffing said.
"We expect about 200 people a night," he said.
"It's an annual function that helps bring the community together under a festive spirit," festival publicist Jim McCarthy said.
The festival offers many rides and games for children, and the most popular is the tethered hot-air balloon ride, which is scheduled for tonight, weather permitting, McCarthy said. For a dollar per ride, the balloon, loaned by Parkvale Savings Bank, takes children and adults about 200 feet up.
The kids love it, McCarthy said. "They had quite a long line," last year, he said.
Cindy Youhon, director of music ministries for St. Gerard Majella, said she will take her nieces and nephews to this year's festival.
"They are really looking forward to it," Youhon, of Penn Hills, said. "They like winning the goldfish."
The festival features games, raffles and live bands, as well as a Chinese auction and bake sale. A variety of foods will be available.
"We have a lot of Steelers memorabilia for prizes, such as mini Terrible Towels, stadium blankets and pillows," Ruffing said.
The Super Raffle, which takes place Saturday night, typically draws a crowd, McCarthy said. Cash prizes of $3,000, $1,000 and $500 are available.
A $50 drawing and bingo games take place each night.
The musical group Rockin' Thru the Ages will perform rock and pop favorites on Friday evening. Country artist Bill Campbell will perform Saturday night.
"We try to get a variety," Ruffing said.
The event acts as an annual fundraiser for St. Gerard Majella Parish. Ruffing said the money raised goes toward general upkeep and church maintenance.
Youhon said the festival makes a profit for the church every year and generates good feelings.
"It builds a sense of community among parishioners," she said.
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