Our Lady of the Lakes Spring Festival March 7-10

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church (OLL) will be hosting its 45th annual Spring Festival on the school's grounds at 15801 N.W. 67 Avenue from March 7 through 10.
Families looking for a fun-filled day can stroll through the main section and play games. Local businesses will also be participating with exhibits for carnival attendees to stop by for dinner. The food court features an array of the best international food booths including Latin, Cuban, Mexican, Italian, Jamaican, Colombian, Filipino, BBQ, American, Spanish Tapas and much more.
“Due to its well-earned reputation, increasing numbers of people attend the festival to eat some of the most diverse and incredibly delicious food made fresh especially for attendees,” said food booth chairperson Diane Pantaleon.
More than 20 popular carnival rides and attractions will thrill people of all ages, including toddlers in the special kiddy ride section. Carnival-goers can see Miami Lakes from the top of the Giant Ferris Wheel, listen to loud music at high speeds on The Orbiter and experience the thrill on the Kamikaze. Young people can scramble through fun houses, climb aboard a pirate ship and play carnival games. “If you come to our Festival, you are guaranteed to have a great time!” said Father Jose Alvarez.
The main stage is full of different live shows and performances throughout the weekend. Music will fill the nights with live bands and DJs. On Sunday afternoon, which is family day, the children’s talent show will take place with performances from dance studios in the area. Those interested in performing on the stage are asked to email Jeanelle Ramon at jeanelleramon@gmail.com for details and information.
It takes more than 30 volunteers and about four months to organize the carnival. More than 300 people participate to make it run smoothly. Those interested in volunteering should contact Julie Sierra at gbsierra@gmail.com.
Aside from food, rides and entertainment, there will be a public basketball tournament on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the tournament contact Ernie Valido at evalido@comcast.net
Admission to the festival is free, but rides require tickets. Ride bracelets allow carnival-goers to ride as much as they want. Bracelets may be purchased at a discounted rate before or after masses on March 2 and March 3. Bracelets are also sold at the Church gift shop until March 7 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Bracelets may also be purchased on the festival website www.ollnet.com/festival. During the festival bracelets will also be sold at an additional charge. Single ride tickets will be available for sale at any time during the festival.
The festival features two raffle drawings. One raffle features a grand prize of $2,500 and subsequent prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Raffle tickets are available now at the church office and at the raffle booth during the festival. The second special raffle, with three cash prizes (first prize up to $7,000, second prize up to $5,000 and third prize up to $2,500) is drawn on Sunday night. A maximum of 300 tickets are sold, so the odds of winning are greater. Special raffle tickets are available to purchase at the church gift shop. Ask for Rosa Gangi or call 305-558-2202.
Sponsorships are also being sought for this annual fundraising event. There are five levels of sponsorships: diamond sponsor ($2,500) platinum sponsor ($1,000), gold sponsor ($500), silver sponsor ($250) and bronze sponsor ($100). For more information, call Elsa Reus at 305-558-2202 ext. 616.
The festival is the primary fund raiser for OLL. Proceeds support the operating budget for the church and school. Last year, thousands of people from both Dade and Broward counties participated in this four-day event.
The festival hours are as follows: Thursday, March 7, from 5-10 p.m., Friday, March 8, from 5-11:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9, from 1-11:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, from noon until 9 p.m.