The Festival is a two-day event, beginning Friday, September 29 with a Historic Church Bus Tour. Saturday, September 30, participants will march in a Parish Parade, followed by the Festival Celebration in PJ Caul Park, where many churches and organizations will sell their own homemade ethnic foods and treats.
Saturday at 10:30 am, the Ambridge Parish Parade rolls along Merchant Street. Various community organizations will march in the parade, which leads into the Opening Ceremony in PJ Caul Park.
At 11:30 am Saturday, local religious leaders and elected officials will participate in the Festival Opening Ceremony in PJ Caul Park. Guest speakers will honor the ceremony and lead a community prayer. A "ringing of the bells" will commence the Fall Festival of the Churches at noon.
From 12 pm to 7 pm, the Festival takes place in PJ Caul Park. Each participating organization selected their own menu of items to sell. A wide variety of food will be available for purchase, including pierogies, pulled pork, candied apples, stuffed cabbage, apple dumplings, pasta, funnel cakes, hot dogs, sauerkraut, and much more!
Councilwoman Tina Iorfido Miller says, "Fall Festival of Churches gives neighbors, family, and friends a day to celebrate our community. To see our many churches come together, children enjoying activities, and great entertainment gives us all a sense of pride. It's a day I personally am proud to be part of."
Children's activities:
Petting Zoo and Pony rides - 12pm to 6 pm
Face painting - 12pm to 4pm
Pumpkin painting - 12pm - while supplies last
Cookie decorating - 12 pm - while supplies last
Rock Painting - 12pm - while supplies last
Spin art - sponsored by head start
Train ride- $2
Entertainment Schedule:
12:15 pm- Ambridge Steel Drums (presented by Ambridge Area School District)
1:00 pm- The Tamburitzans (presented by Good Samaritan Roman Catholic Church)
1:45 pm- Garrett Mudrick & Dave Durbin (presented by United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge)
2:30 pm- Hellenic Dancers (presented by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church)
3:15 pm- Jim & Debbie Tobin and the Dewey Decimators (presented by First Baptist Church)
4:00 pm- Filipino American Dancers (presented by Filipino American Club)
4:45 pm- Adult Choir (presented by First Missionary Baptist Church)
5:30 pm- Worship Team (presented by New Hope Community Church)
6:00 pm- Bob Spak (presented by Sts. Peter and Paul Ukranian Catholic Church)
6:30 pm- Holly Hewitt Mathias (presented by Ambridge Christian Missionary Alliance)