Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church will be hosting its 42nd annual Spring Festival on the school's grounds at N.W. 67 Avenue and Miami Lakeway North on the weekend of March 10 through 13.
There will be something for everyone in the family including playing games, visiting local business exhibits and stopping for dinner. The food court features an array of the best international food booths found at any carnival including Latin, Cuban, Mexican, Italian, Jamaican, Colombian, Filipino, BBQ, American, Spanish Tapas and 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 the event,” said Diane Pantaleon, food booths’ chairperson.
More than 20 popular carnival rides and attractions will thrill people of all ages, including toddlers in the special kiddy ride section. Visitors 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 some carnival games.
The main stage is full of different live shows and performances throughout the weekend. Music will fill the nights with live bands and DJs. Sunday afternoon is family day; a children’s talent show and performances from dance studios in the area take place. Those interested in performing on the stage email: gbsierra77@gmail.com for details and information.
It takes more than 30 volunteers about four months to organize the weekend event and more than 300 people to make it run smoothly. Persons interested in volunteering to work at the festival may contact Luz Quintero at luzquinteronaranjo@msn.com.
Aside from food, rides and entertainment, there will be a basketball tournament on Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is open to the public. Registration is online at www.miamibasketball.net or andre@miamibasketball.net.
Admission to the festival is free, but tickets are needed for the carnival rides. Bracelets can be purchased at a discounted price, before or after Masses on February 27- 28, and March 5 - 6. They are also available for purchase at the Church gift shop until March 9 between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The discounted pre-festival prices: A 4-day bracelet is $50, Thursday-$l5, Friday- $20, Saturday -$25 and Sunday -$25. They are also available online www.ollnet.com/festival.
Raffles will take place and sponsorships are available. For more information on sponsorships, call Elsa Reus, 305-558-2202 ext. 616.
The festival is the primary fundraiser for Our Lady of the Lakes. Proceeds support the operating budget for the church and school.