CLARKSVILLE — Despite the record temperature of 106 degrees Saturday, people from the Our Lady of Providence Junior-Senior High School community came out to support their school during the annual July Fest. Friends and former classmates came out to enjoy food, beverages and music from the Louisville Crashers while raising money for the alumni association and scholarships.

“It’s very hot, but that’s okay,” said Bunky Berry, Providence alumna. “We’re here for Providence and the Louisville Crashers. We also went to the Mass before this. We loved the Mass. Father (Dan) Adkins did a great job.”   

Playing in the heat has been a regular occurrence for the Louisville Crashers during the recent weeks.  

“It’s not bad, and you get used to it,” said Max Maxwell, drummer, Louisville Crashers. “The equipment is OK too, as long as the sun isn’t beating down on it. I also think it’s easier to play when it’s warm than when its cold,”

Maxwell added that the band was very glad to perform for July Fest.

“We’re a good-time band, and we’re hoping everyone has a good time. That’s what they want, so we’re doing our part, and hopefully they do their part,” Maxwell said.

Father Dan Adkins said he had a good time despite the heat.

“It’s good to be here,” Adkins said. “I just celebrated upstairs (with the Mass service) and we remembered all of the alum who have passed away within the last year.”

While the initial turnout was slow when the event began, the crowd grew as the sun went down.

“I think the heat could possibly affect it (turnout) for sure, but Providence is a close-knit community,” said Brad Denman, Providence alumni president. “We also have people come out from the community who are fans of the Louisville Crashers.”   

The loyalty of the Providence community was on display as graduates from the first graduating class of 1951 were present.  

“For me, it means that when something happens to one person, a lot of people are there to help and support them,” Adkins said. “It also means to rejoice and be glad and celebrate the person’s happiness.”

For Julie Rorrer, Providence is like family, and Berry agrees.

“I think God brings people together, and I think that’s important for people to be brought together,” Berry said.  

Tony Perito, vice president of institutional advancement, explained almost 85 percent of Providence graduates remain in the area, and one mission of the July Fest is to bring them together.

“So we get people back here to see the place and enjoy the band, and maybe see what they haven’t seen,” Perito said.  

During July Fest, the alumni offered tours of the school for those who may not have seen such additions as the theater wing that was added in 2006, the media center, the new chapel, the library and other renovations.

The July Fest is one of the school’s largest annual fundraisers, and the funds support the alumni association and scholarships. Other events throughout the year include the annual Easter Egg hunt, Breakfast with Santa and a golf tournament.