Celtic Mass and Faire caps a successful first decade

Blessed Trinity Parish’s Celtic Mass and Faire is far from an ordinary church fundraiser.

Based on Irish music, food and culture, the 10th annual event gives everyone an opportunity to get a little bit green Sunday, Sept. 13.

The program beings with Irish-influenced gathering music at 9:30 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Parish. A Celtic Mass follows at 10 a.m., featuring a wide range of Irish music.

“The Celtic Mass is something special,” said Jayme Lorenz, Celtic Mass and Faire chairperson. “The service is one of the highlights of the year for many people.

“The Irish music makes it very unique and special,” she said.

Following the Mass, Celtic Faire festivities kick off at 11 a.m., with Irish Food, brats, hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, bars, beer, coffee and soda served at 11:30 a.m.

“We will have traditional Irish food again, like corned beef and cabbage, as well as scones,” Lorenz said.

The afternoon will be filled with live entertainment from 10 local musical performers, choirs and bands.

The entertainment lineup includes: the Blessed Trinity Celtic Choir and KinderChoir in Sheboygan Falls, St. John’s Evangelist Choir in Kohler, St. Peter’s Episcopal Choir in Sheboygan Falls, Singing Shepherds of St. Mary’s Parish in Chilton, Amy Gremminger (cantor), Paula Settle (harpist), Jim Wilsing (bagpipes and Irish whistle), Beth Hoegger (keyboards), Irish Dancers and Met’na Pub (Irish Band).

“All of the performers have been with us before, and they have been very well received,” Lorenz said.

New this year are children’s games and events, such as fish pond, face painting, ring toss and the lollipop game.

“The children’s games are a new way for us to give the kids something extra to do,” Lorenz said. “It is a family event, so we are trying to have things that appeal to all ages.”

A variety of raffle items will be offered, with five special travel, dining and golf packages up for grabs. Raffle prizes include: First prize: A one-week trip to Ireland for two or $1,000 cash. Second prize: A dinner and overnight stay for two at St. Brendan’s Irish Inn in Green Bay.

Third prize: A dinner and overnight stay for two at 52 Stafford in Plymouth.

Fourth prize: 18 holes of golf with a cart and dinner for two at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms in Sheboygan Falls.

Fifth prize: A night at The Fringe in Sheboygan Falls.

Raffle tickets are $1 each for six for $5. The raffle prize drawing will conclude the day’s events at 3 p.m. Winners are not required to be present for the drawing.

This year’s quilt raffle features a handmade queen-size snowman quilt made by the Blessed Trinity Quilters.

Many local vendors will also be on hand to offer items up for sale.

The popular “Take a Chance” booth returns for another year of temptation.

Contestants will be vying for gift certificates, as well as new and handmade items. Not-so-lucky contestants will take home some less-than-desirable prizes in the good-natured, luck-of-the-draw game.

“The ‘Take a Chance’ booth is always a big hit,” Lorenz said. “People have a lot of fun with it.”

Donations are currently being sought for the “Take a Chance” booth. Church members can donate items or monetary gifts at various collection areas at Blessed Trinity Parish.

Local businesses are invited to donate by calling Lori Hanson at 467-6844.

Lorenz said the Celtic Mass and Faire would not be possible without the dedicated support of approximately 100 volunteers.

“This is a big event for us, which takes a lot of work from a lot of people to put together,” she said. “From making and serving food to setting up the games to selling raffle tickets, the volunteers do a great job.”

Along with Lorenz, the planning committee includes Don and Joan Otto (co-chairs), Tom Schmid, Donna Deeley and Mary Alice Schleicher.

Last year the event raised $6,500 for church programs, maintenance and improvements.

“We did very well last year,” Lorenz said. “We normally draw anywhere from 500 to 800 people.

“It’s just a beautiful day for our parish,” she said. “It’s not just for church members. Everyone is invited to come out and join us.”

Blessed Trinity Parish is located at 319 Giddings Ave. in Sheboygan Falls.