Photos: St. Lawrence Apple Fest Proves Good Time for Young and Old

The three-day kicked off Friday with fun for the whole family, from live polka bands to Rosie the Opera-singing clown and good, old-fashioned carnival rides.

It's a toss-up as to who will have more fun–the adults or the children.  For the adults, entertainment includes the ever-popular beer tent, live bands day and night, a spinning money wheel to win some cash for the beer and around-the-clock live bands.

The musical highlight of the festival will be Saturday when the band Nightline, which includes several former Temptations, takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Authentic Italian and Polish food stands line the outside of the tent, and of course, there are plenty of apple treats to be had, from pies to caramel apples. 

The young kids can be entertained for hours at the children's tent, which features plenty of colorful balloon animals, face painting, clowns, candy and games.

Event organizer Kevin Reese said he anticipates between 10,000 to 15,000 people will attend the festival.

"I am hoping the weather holds off and everybody comes and enjoys St. Lawrence at its best," he said.

Father Bob Fisher said that in the past, the church has raised $70,000 for the parish, the school and athletics.

"There are over 13 sports that are offered throughout the year, and this helps fund that," said Reese. 

To help raise extra money, the festival holds a parish-wide and big ticket raffle. Prizes range from $5,000 to $250. (Drawing will be held 8 p.m. Sunday on parish grounds.)

It takes a village to run the well-organized festival. Volunteers run the festival, from teachers manning the food stands and beer tents to students helping out at the children's festival.

The festival is open 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

Plus, parking is free and there's no admission cost.

Below is a schedule of the bands:

Friday

• Big Daddy Lackowski, 5-8 p.m.
• Sinjon Smith, 8 p.m.-midnight

Saturday

• American Dream, 2-6 p.m.
• Nightline, 8 p.m.-midnight

Sunday

• RYZYR, noon-3 p.m.
• G Daddy's, 4-8 p.m.