FLOYD COUNTY —
Thousands turned out for the annual Mount Saint Francis picnic Saturday ready for games, prizes and, of course, a lot of food.
“I come for the fun and the good food,” Luann Gray, 47, of Louisville, said.
Roger McIntosh, 70, of Austin, recommended the dumplings and bratwurst. He was there with his granddaughter, who was working a booth for St. Mary’s of the Knobs School.
“You can just tell by looking at everyone they’re having a good time,” he said.
Father Don Halpin expected the cool weather could bring a larger-than-usual crowd this year. He estimated that about 10,000 people attend the one-day event each year.
Jan Lambert had lived in Indiana for years and always attended the picnic. She moved to Shelbyville, Ky., but still comes back — even bringing a friend this year. She said she appreciates how members of various parishes volunteer for the event.
“I think it’s neat how the parishes come together to help,” Lambert said.
David Koehler, 42, lives less than a mile from Mount Saint Francis and walks on the trails, but had never attended a picnic. He said he thought it was the right size for the community.
“It’s a beautiful day. It’s in a beautiful location. They do it up right,” he said.
The event is Mount Saint Francis’ primary fundraiser for the year. There were 50 vendors and between 40 and 45 booths set up at the festival. Halpin said they expect to raise more than $90,000 from the event.
The Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality offers various services — including hosting spiritual retreats on the 400-acre property.
“A lot of youth come here for retreats. Some come back for reunions,” Halpin said.
He believes the event will continue to raise awareness about what they do.
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Related Photos
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Veronica Byerley, left, and Paula Chandler take a break from their booth to play some games at the 2010 Mt. St. Francis Picnic on Saturday. Staff photo by C.E. Branham
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Jacob Grauel keeps his fingers crossed as his mother plays a game at the Mt. St. Francis Picnic. Staff photo by C.E. Branham
Discussion
Mount St. Francis Picnic draws thousands
Spirituality center hopes to raise more than $90,000
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