Forty-First Annual Family Fiesta a Success

San Agustin Catholic Church competed against a formidable opponent for the Scotts Valley community’s time and attention Sunday afternoon—the NFL’s second week. While a few 49ers and Raiders scores could be overheard in a walk through the crowd, the church’s 41st annual Family Fiesta did more than just hold its own against a packed Sunday football schedule.

San Agustin hosts the Family Fiesta every year to provide residents with an afternoon of fun in a positive and family-friendly environment. With carnival-style games and attractions, the party also featured free food, live music, face painting, a bounce house and obstacle course for the kids.

Giving back to the community is the event’s primary purpose, explained event chairman Joe Romeo. That extends from the collection bins for Second Harvest Food Bank and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to the fundraising, games, drawing prizes, bingo and free meal—something the event did not feature until relatively recently.

Three years ago, with the recession in full swing, Romeo felt San Agustin could make the Family Fiesta even more open and welcoming to people who might be in some financial strain. Romeo lobbied for trying to serve the chicken and hot dog meal at no cost to attendees. Through food donations and additional monetary support from parish members, the complimentary meal was an overwhelming success. This year, the Family Fiesta served meals to more than 600 adults and 300 children, according to Romeo.

Hosted at San Agustin Church, the party does not cater to only parish members; in fact, it goes out of its way to welcome everyone, no matter their faith.

“It’s not a Catholic event for Catholics. It’s for everyone,” said Romeo.

Janet Del Mar was one of the party-goers who is not a San Agustin Catholic Church member. With her two sons, ages 8 and 11, tossing balls in the milk can throw, Del Mar said they attend the event yearly with friends and family members.

Both church members and local kids manned the milk bottle throw, ring toss and other carnival games. Those students attending schools that require community service hours worked the event and received credit for their time. Romeo said providing the kids with a fun community service opportunity was a nice feature to have, but even more importantly, it helps keep kids active and engaged in their community and also San Agustin.

For Ken Silva, a parish member since 1969 who worked a shift at the dunk tank, the Family Fiesta highlights two things he values highly in San Agustin—its sense of community and focus on making positive contributions in service of others.

“This is more of a family, helping each other whatever it takes,” said Silva.