Tag Archives: St. Rita Fiesta

St. Rita Fiesta returns next weekend

24 May

I’ve always loved a good home-town festival. That’s why I love the annual St. Rita Fiesta; even more than the Firemen’s Carnival, it brings me right back to the days of the fair I looked forward to every summer when I was growing up in small-town Owego.

The 70th annual St. Rita Fiesta will take place on Friday May 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday May 31 from 2 to 9 p.m. at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

Everyone’s favorite features will be back this year, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent with the also famous fish fry (Friday only) and Chicken BBQ (Saturday only), carnival games, mini golf, book sale, plant sale, gift basket raffles, Dunk the Deacon, food trucks (including Schutt’s), sweet treats, ice cream, fried dough, kettle corn, the money wheel, foam dart league, corn hole and much more. Plus, the pony rides for the kids are back by popular demand.

Live music will be provided this year on Friday by D.E.T. (Different Every Time) from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Count It All Joy from 3 to 4 p.m. from All In Brass Band from 5 to 6 p.m. and Open.G from 6 to 9 p.m.

There’s actually so much stuff going on both days that you’ll want to visit the Fiesta Facebook page or website to see all the details. Or check out the flyer below, but the website has a whole lot more info. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free on-site parking, with handicap spaces available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Veterans Outreach Center.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/23/2025)

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St. Rita Fiesta returns with some new attractions

22 May

I’ve always loved a good home-town festival. That’s why I love the annual St. Rita Fiesta; even more than the Firemen’s Carnival, it brings me right back to the days of the fair I looked forward to every summer when I was growing up in small-town Owego.

And when I heard that this year’s festivities were going to be even bigger and better than ever, I immediately put it on my calendar.

The 69th annual St. Rita Fiesta will take place on Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1 at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

Everyone’s favorite features will be back this year, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent with the also famous fish fry (Friday only) and Chicken BBQ (Saturday only), the Sweets Booth, carnival games with prizes, inflatables for the kids, the money wheel and pull tabs, a plant sale, book sale, and lawn games.

PLUS Irish dancers, karate and Robotics team demos, a talent show, an inflatable archery game, art station, the “Dunk the Deacon,” and live music from Roll the Dice, All In Brass Band and Count On It All Joy.

PLUS PLUS this year, the Fiesta is introducing pony rides for the kids, and is bringing back line dancing. Newer attractions will also include a mini golf course, giant spin art, a corn hole tournament and free bingo. And don’t forget to take a chance (or several) on the raffle baskets and $5,000 Spectacular Raffle Drawing.

Basically, there’s a TON of stuff going on both days for children and adults. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free on-site parking, with handicap spaces available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.

Here are the details:

69th annual St. Rita Fiesta, Friday May 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday June 1 from 2 to 9 p.m. Check the flyer below for details on when your favorite activities are happening. You can also visit the Fiesta Facebook page or website for regular updates

St. Rita Church is located at 1008 Maple Dr. in West Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/22/2024)

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St. Rita Fiesta returns next weekend

25 May

St. Rita’s 68th Annual Fiesta returns to West Webster on Friday and Saturday June 2 and 3.

Festivities start on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and continue Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. All of your favorite St. Rita Fiesta features will be back, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent, Fish Fry (Friday only), Chicken BBQ (Saturday only) and Sweets Booth; live music by Rugburn, Count It All Joy, and It’s a Mystery; $1.00 Carnival Games with prizes; inflatables for the kids; the money wheel, pull tabs, plant sale, book sale, corn hole competition, contests, 9-hole mini golf, and more.

There will also be a great selection of themed gift baskets along with the BIG raffle drawing for $5,000 cash. Click on the images below for more information about even more activities you’ll find. A portion of the proceeds benefits Webster HOPE ministry, which responds to the emergency needs of Webster residents.

This is a terrific family-friendly event with plenty to do for kids and adults alike. There’s lots of on-site parking, including handicap spaces. For more information, please visit the St. Rita Fiesta website or Facebook page.

St. Rita Church is located at 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/25/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

25 Apr

Today’s mailbag is packed with events coming up in the next few weeks, so grab your calendar and dig in.

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The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Spring Book Sale is here, happening Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently-used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

ALSO, the Library will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Tuesday May 2 from noon to 5 p.m. Click here to make an appointment.

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The next St. Martin Lutheran Church’s Drive Thru Chicken BBQ will be held Saturday, April 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster.

Dinners of a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, and butter are available for $15.00 – cash or check only. The event is drive-through only, and there will be no advance sales.

Dinners will be served first come/first served. Cars will enter the parking lot, follow signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment. Cars will then proceed to the side entrance to pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds will benefit St. Martin’s Christmas Stocking Project reaching over 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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The Schroeder Theater Company invites you to join them as they travel Around the World in 80 Days!

The fearless and calculated Phileas Fogg and her newly appointed, resourceful servant Passepartout race to beat the clock in this country-hopping adventure. Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts her fortune and life at risk. Together, the two set out to circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days. But their every step is dogged by a detective who thinks Fogg is a robber on the run. Can they stay on schedule as they avoid police interference, traverse exotic landscapes, endure typhoons, and more?

Performances are in the Webster Schroeder High School auditorium, 875 Ridge Road, on Thursday May 4 at 7 p.m., Friday May 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at Ticket Spicket or at the door.

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Webster Comfort Care Home has several fundraising events coming up this summer, but you’ll want to get signed up for this one right away.

It’s the 20th (almost) annual “Chip In for Comfort Care” golf tournament, scheduled for Monday July 10 at Webster Golf Club on Salt Rd. Registration fee is $125, and includes a grab-and-go breakfast, complimentary game balls, and prizes. Plus, they’re introducing a new “knock out the gnome” game this year.

Click here for more information and to register.

You can also support Webster Comfort Care on Friday May 5 by heading to the Masonic Lodge on Orchard Street for a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dinner includes spaghetti, choice of sauce, salad, bread and dessert. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

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The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2023 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 13 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, hostas, geraniums, tomatoes, and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

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A Craft and Vendor Sale to benefit the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will be held at the Webster Fireman’s Building, 172 Sanford Street on Saturday May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Almost 30 vendors are expected for this show, which will be held inside and outside the building. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

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Looking ahead, the 2023 St. Rita Fiesta has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday June 2 and 3. All of your favorite Fiesta activities will be returning, including carnival games, a foam dart course, mini golf course, inflatables, dunk tank, plant sale, book sale, games of chance, food, drink, lots of live entertainment, and more.

More details to come, but in the meantime you can check out the website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 4/25/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

3 Aug

I open this week’s mailbag with a plug for the St. Rita Fiesta, happening this weekend at St. Rita Church in West Webster.

This is a lovely little festival, complete with carnival games, basket raffles, a sweet treats booth, food trucks, inflatables, a used book sale, chicken barbecue and more. Click here to see the Fiesta’s Facebook page and learn more.

The St. Rita Fiesta will take place Friday and Saturday Aug. 5 and 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. both nights, at 1008 Maple Drive in Webster.

The annual Webster Baptist Yard Sale also happens this weekend, Friday Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church is located at 59 South Ave. in the village of Webster.

The next Webster Marching Band Bottle and Can Drive is coming up on Saturday Aug. 13.

This is a really easy way to help out our State Champion Webster Marching Band, and clean out your garage at the same time. All you have to do is place your bags of recyclables at the end of the driveway on Saturday morning (a little note indicating they’re for the band might be good), and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

PLUS …

Marrk your calendars now for the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo, Tuesday Aug. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Field. I hope to get more details about this soon, but I know in the past these events have had as many as a dozen or more food trucks, live music, face painting and fire trucks. Stay tuned.

When you’re out and about in the next few weeks picking up school supplies, please consider throwing a few extras in your cart to help out Webster HOPE.

Webster HOPE is currently collecting supplies for their Back to School Night on Tuesday Aug. 16, when the supplies will be distributed to Webster students in need. Check out the poster to see the wish list of supplies. They can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster HOPE, 1450 Ridge Rd., during their open hours Monday 5-7, Tuesday 10-noon, Wednesday 3-5 and Thursday 5 to 7.

The Webster Aquatic Center pool will be closed from Aug. 8 to 26 for some scheduled maintenance. During the closing, the pool at Webster Thomas High School will be available on a limited basis. Times will be posted on the Aquatic Center calendar.

One million gallons of water will be drained from the Aquatic Center pool so that workers can clean it and change the filter media before refilling it and bringing it up again to a comfortable temperature.

The 4th annual Heroes and Hidden Heroes charity event is scheduled for Sunday Aug. 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Webster Firemen’s Field.

The event features dinner and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 presale before Aug. 7, $30 afterwards and at the door. Get your tickets at onesoldieratatime.net.

Your next opportunity to be a hero and save up to three lives by donating blood is right around the corner.

On Friday Aug. 19 from noon to 5:30 p.m., the Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, 48 S. Estate Drive in Webster, will host a Red Cross blood drive in the church’s recreation room.

There’ll be food, drinks, t-shirts, and a chance to win some cool raffle prizes. Click here to make an appointment.

This blood drive is being sponsored by The Steam Police, who have provided the following inspirational story:

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/3/2022)

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It’s Fiesta weekend at St. Rita!

25 Aug

The St. Rita Fiesta is back! It’s a bit smaller and later in the summer than in previous years, but definitely still packed with a lot of free family fun and great entertainment.

The 66th annual Fiesta is scheduled for Saturday Aug. 28 from 3 to 8 p.m. on the church grounds, 1008 Maple Dr. in West Webster.

The event will feature a nice variety of carnival games with prizes, a 9-hole miniature golf course, four food trucks, and live music. You can take a chance on winning $5,000 ($25 a ticket, and only 600 are being sold!) or win one of more than 20 gorgeous gift baskets.

Basically, it’s going to be an outstanding afternoon filled with family fun. Plan on heading on over and letting those folks know that we’re happy to see the Fiesta again.

Click here for more details.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

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Back on the blogwagon and heading to a FIESTA!

17 May

heading (1)

I knew that being Internet-less would not be easy. But being unable to log onto my home computer for five straight days (thank you Frontier) really messed with my mojo a whole lot more than I expected.

I was able to hobble through though, in large part by using my phone’s 4G and friendly Internet hotspots in the village, but it was hard keeping up on my email and blogging.

But I’m back, thanks to a sparkling new Spectrum modem and a higher-speed Internet cable feed. Good thing, because now that summer is approaching, the events are going to come fast and furious.

Let’s start today with a preview of the 64th annual St. Rita Festival, which hits town again Friday and Saturday June 1 and 2.

I love this festival. It’s like a harbinger of summer, and a great inexpensive night out, with the added benefit of supporting a good cause.

Festival highlights include live music by Ruby Shooz and the Breakfast Club, inflatable and adventure rides for the kids, carnival games, a food truck rodeo, gift basket raffles, a book sale, plant sale, and more. And of course you can get into the raffle for $10,000 cash or a one-year lease on a car from Vision Automotive.  Five second chance winners will also go home with Wegmans gift certificates.

Here are some details:

  • Ruby Shooz will play on Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m. and the Breakfast Club on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Blankets and chairs are welcome.
  • The festival will introduce a new Car Show and Shine classic car show this year, from 3 to 6 p.m. There’s no charge to register a car or to attend the event.
  • In addition to the food truck rodeo, St. Rita’s famous Friday fish fry and Saturday chicken barbecue dinners will be back. They sell out every year, so get there early.

Admission to the Fiesta is free and parking is onsite, with handicap and shuttle options. For more information about the Fiesta, or to pre-order your discounted passes for unlimited access to the bounce houses, zip lines, and bungee trampoline, click here.

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

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It must be summer, because….

17 May

fiesta

… I just received a press release about the St. Rita Fiesta!

This little festival is one of my favorite ones of the entire year, and not just because it’s close to home. There is always so much to do for the whole family, and organizers seem to keep adding new things every year.

This year — the fiesta’s 63rd — there will be a zip line and bounce houses for the kids, and live music by The Breakfast Club and Ruby Shooz. There’ll be an expanded list of food trucks, as well as the fiesta’s traditional pancake breakfast, fish fry dinner, and chicken barbecue. And of course the plant sale and book sale will be back again.

This year’s big raffle prize is $10,000 cash or $15,000 towards a lease from Vision Automotive.

The Fiesta also features  5k and 10k races on Saturday, June 3. I’ve run this race, and it’s a nice flat course which is perfect for strollers and new runners as well as seasoned competitors. The race is followed by a pancake breakfast.

Families can order wristbands early, which gets kids all-access passes to the bounce houses, zip lines, and bungee trampoline at a discounted price. Discount wristbands can be purchased through the Fiesta website or at the St. Rita’s Parish Office.

Admission to the Fiesta is free. For more information, visit the St. Rita Fiesta website. St. Rita Church is located at 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

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