Our 2025 shrine fair was a huge success thanks to the help of so many hard-working, caring and generous people who provided more support that we could have ever imagined. We humbly thank you all. We apologize for not naming everyone who helped, but there were so many workers that we may unknowingly omit some names, which would be a great disservice. We are actually beyond words because of the overwhelming response for the request for help that we received.

So many volunteers worked countless hours before, during and after the fair. They worked in hot weather and sometimes on rainy nights collecting, sorting and pricing items for the fair without any complaints. Without the help from all who worked so hard to put the fair together and who tirelessly worked at all the tables, we would not have been able to do it. No complaints, just miles of smiles on all our incredible workers, even though they were beyond exhausted.

As we all know, preparation for the fair begins months in advance, and all volunteers worked tirelessly and patiently to make the fair highly successful. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the end result was unbelievably stunning! We would like to personally thank each and every person who helped. Many came back on Labor Day to assist with the clean up as well, and we are so appreciative of everyone’s efforts and response.

Many, many thanks also to everyone in the shrine community and beyond who so graciously and generously donated beautiful gift baskets, generous gift cards, lottery tickets, wine and other wonderful gifts to use for our raffle table. As well as individuals and families, countless businesses kindly donated much needed gift cards to help us make additional baskets.

We would also like to thank our wonderful Franciscans who so patiently and humbly put up with all the confusion and constant use of the shrine center. We know this wasn’t easy for them and they probably felt displaced but never complained.

We are beyond blessed to have such a beautiful, warm and supportive shrine community, and we look forward to doing it again next year.

The plans are already in the works! ~Wayne and Connie Pickles