With the weather cooling down and the leaves beginning to change, people are searching for ways to spend time with their loved ones outdoors. That’s exactly why on Friday, September 29 St. Paul Catholic School held one of its best Oktoberfests yet. St. Paul students, churchgoers, their families, and supportive members of the Valparaiso community came out for an unforgettable evening.
“This is a fundraiser that we’ve been putting on for years to help support the school, but really it’s an opportunity to bring the St. Paul and Valparaiso communities together. It’s about fellowship, sharing a few drinks, and giving kids and their families a way to have some fun,” said Frank Kantroski, who has been an organizer of the Oktoberfest for the last five years.
St. Paul’s Oktoberfest is always a hit with the community, but right from the beginning of this year’s event everyone could tell it had an even better turnout than last. Lisa Hughes, principal of St. Paul, was touched by the community’s eagerness to take part.
“Seeing all these people here tonight means a lot. I love seeing all the students out of school just having fun, playing, and getting to enjoy each other’s company. The weather is beautiful and it’s just great to have so many people come out,” said Hughes.
There was something for everyone to enjoy at St. Paul’s Oktoberfest. Several food trucks served a scrumptious variety of food including pretzels, tacos, and ice cream. Adults kicked back and enjoyed a relaxing beer garden while the kids burned off their energy in several different themed bounce houses. A pumpkin bounce house was especially cute for some of the smaller children. When everyone needed a break from playing and drinking, they danced the night away to an incredible DJ. There was even a dancing robot to show them some new moves.
“It’s a lot of work but it brings so many people together. Seeing all the smiling faces makes it worth it,” said Kantroski.
The hayrides were a particular hit this year. Everyone loves a good hayride to get in the fall spirit, but what makes St. Paul’s hayrides especially exciting is that St. Paul’s eighth graders dress up in their spookiest costumes and haunt the trail for a while. It was touching to see St. Paul’s students partake so passionately in timeless school traditions.
“It’s a rite of passage for our eighth graders,” said Hughes. “They’re so excited.”
Ultimately, this year’s Oktoberfest at St. Paul was just as uplifting as ever. Between great company, delicious food, and all kinds of fun, it was a great way for St. Paul to usher in another exciting fall season and show families just how important quality time is.
“I hope that everyone takes away the importance of a good family environment and the love that we have for our children. Today was Grandparents’ Day here at St. Paul so a lot of families were already here. We just want to give people opportunities to enjoy each other’s company and realize the importance of family,” said Kantroksi.
The St. Paul team is grateful to everyone for their unwavering support of their Oktoberfest year after year.
“A lot of people have donated money to help make this event successful: Nondorf Orthodontics, Calhoun Steel, and several local families. We appreciate all of their support. We’re grateful for everyone who’s come out to show their support for St. Paul,” said Kantroski.
The St. Paul team can’t wait to see how this wonderful fall event continues to grow and change in the future. They’re eager to continue welcoming and uniting the Valparaiso community for years to come.
“The ultimate vision is to hold the event for a couple of days or the whole weekend so that more people can come. We’d love to hold some more activities and give people even more to do. I look forward to contributing to the event in the future and bringing more of the Valpo community here,” said Kantroski.
To learn more about St. Paul, please visit www.stpaulvalpo.org.