Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church will host its 41st annual Spring Festival on the school’s grounds, N.W. 67 Avenue and Miami Lakeway North, during the weekend of March 5 to 8.
Festival hours are Thursday, March 5, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, March 6, 5 to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 7, 1 to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, noon to 9 p.m.
The festival offers something for everyone in the family. Stroll through the main section, play games, visit local business exhibits and stop for dinner.
The food court features an array of some of the best international food booths found at any carnival 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 made fresh delicious food,” said food booths’ chairperson Diane Pantaleon.
More than 20 popular carnival rides and attractions will be featured on the midway to thrill all ages, including toddlers in the special kiddy ride section. Guests 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. Youngsters can scramble through fun houses, climb aboard a pirate ship and play some carnival games.
The main stage will be 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 featuring a children’s talent show and performances from dance studios in the area. Those interested in performing are asked to email gbsiera77@mail.com for details and information.
"If you come to our Festival you are guaranteed to have a great time," said Father Jose Alvarez, pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes.
Admission is free but tickets are required for the carnival rides. Discounted ride bracelets may be purchased before or after Masses on February 21 and 22, and February 28 and March 1, or at the Church gift shop until March 4 between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The discounted pre-festival ride bracelets are $50 for 4-days, or Thursday, $15; Friday, $20; Saturday and/or Sunday, $25. Bracelets will also be available during the festival at an additional charge and single ride tickets will be available any time.
The festival also features two raffle drawings. The Grand Raffle has a Grand Prize of $2,500 with subsequent prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Raffle tickets are available at the church office and at the Raffle Booth during the festival.
A second special raffle with cash prizes of $7,500, $5,000 and $2,500 is drawn on Sunday evening. A maximum of 300 tickets are sold so the odds of winning are greater. These raffle tickets are available at the church office.
Sponsorships and booth space are available for area businesses to promote their services or products to the community. For more information, call Elsa Reus, 305-558-2202, ext. 616.
A basketball tournament, open to the public, will also take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8. Individuals and team may register online at www.miamibasketball.net, or andre@miamibasketball.net.
The Spring Festival is the primary fundraiser for Our Lady of the Lakes. Proceeds support the operating budget for the church and school. For more information, visit www.ollnet.com/festival.