Catholic Church in Hillman celebrated its 128th anniversary with their fourth annual festival and fundraiser.

The event began shortly after the church community celebrated Mass which ended with a Eucharistic Procession around the grounds. The procession brought the Eucharist in the Adoration Monstrance to each corner of the church grounds offering a blessing at each stop.

The “Sun-satonal Summer Picnic” kicked off at 11 a.m., featuring a traditional BBQ theme with fresh bratwurst (donated by Tom Shooks of Standard Provision in Alpena), hot dogs, coney dogs, a variety of delicious summer salads, and desserts, including an ice cream sundae bar.

Church volunteers served over 100 dinners to the guests.

Courtesy Photo Young festivalgoer, Maylie Parent, tears up the dance floor on Sunday at the St. Augustine Festival in Hillman.

Father Jim Siler shared, “We need to count the many profound blessings which the Lord has

bestowed on this community of faith. United now under the Heart of St. Augustine now are the beautiful people of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Atlanta and St. Rose of Lima in

Herron.”

Recent challenges have brought these three churches to celebrate weekly together

at St. Augustine.

Courtesy Photo Face painting by Emma Coy was just one of the activities offered on Sunday at the St. Augustine Festival in Hillman.

“Unified and Redeemed by the Source and Summit of the Eucharistic Assembly, we are

bestowed many blessings,” Father Silar continued. “The Church as the Bride of Christ and we as the people of the Church journey together as the body, with Christ as our Head, in this beautiful gift we call life.”

Throughout the afternoon, attendees were treated to live bluegrass style music by the Roughnecks of Turkey Road, children’s activities including a bounce house, 50/50 raffles, a wine grab, and a multi-item auction (featuring over 30 items).

Parish members volunteered many hours to make the event successful, gathering items and selling raffle tickets for several months leading up to the annual celebration. Parish member and committee co-chair Judy Elkie shared, “This is our fourth festival and it’s always a blessing to gather as a church community with such a fun event.”

The event raised a grand total of $98,377 (this is gross – BEFORE expenses and prize-winning payouts).

Courtesy Photo Father Siler leads the Eucharistic Procession on Sunday at the St. Augustine Festival in Hillman.

Closing out the event was the anticipated Live Auction and the Summer Festival Raffle Grand Prize Drawing. Auctioneer Kim Sumerix got the crowd bidding on over 70 fantastic

items. There was something for everyone in the auction tent, which festivalgoers could wander through all afternoon. There were some crowd favorites which helped bring the live

auction total raised to over $12,000.

There was even a bidding war between two themed baskets – MSU vs U of M. This bidding

war was initiated by die-hard MSU fan, Father Siler, who ended up making sure that the MSU

Courtesy Photo Roughnecks of Turkey Road band member, Julie Grabiel, plays guitar on Sunday at the St. Augustine Festival in Hillman.

basket brought in more money! The fun back and forth banter from the bidders was enjoyed by all.

Other sought-after items included:

• Quarter Beef donated by Todd Ableidinger Farm

• 3-Night Stay at Folly Beach Vacation House donated by McDade Family

• Many different themed baskets donated by Kathy Weilberg

Courtesy Photo Children enjoy games on Sunday at the St. Augustine Festival in Hillman.

• Honda Generator donated by Don’s Ford Tractor

• Nativity Scene and Manger handcrafted by George LeBlanc

• Mary Statue and basket of religious items donated by Todd and Adraina Elkie

• Many different practical, handcrafted and collectible items.

In addition to the donors mentioned above, business contributions included: Netta’s Nursery, Sauer Farm, Thompson Kubota Sales, Thunder Bay Golf Resort, Rose City RV, Jay’s Sporting Goods, That Awesome Hair Place, Stewart Construction, KCM Drilling, Richardson Equipment-Standish, and many individual donors.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for the fantastic donations to make this live auction possible,” Elkie said. “Our community is so generous.”

After the Live Auction, it came time for the Main Raffle Drawing which featured all cash prizes this year. Father Siler was joined at center stage by Nick Stephan, parish member, to assist in pulling the winning tickets, bringing $20,000 total to 16 happy winners. Father Siler called the winner of $10,000, Clifford Mulka, on speakerphone for the crowd to hear his excitement of winning.

Winners were:

• $10,000 Cash – Clifford Mulka from Dryden, MI

• $1,000 winners – Michelle Kesteloot, Matthew Tankersley, Jean Davis, Donna Dresback, and Lynnette Eleey

• $500 winners – Lawrence Kuck, Kari Sobey, Matt Germain, Jenniferr Tacey, Jim Krueger, Kathy Stevens, Michelle Kesteloot, Glenn Williams, Ron Costello, and Cheyenne Parent.

The festival committee would like to extend a big “thank you” to the parish members and community who made this event such a success. Co-chairs were Judy Elkie and Mark Pollard, and committee members included Wendy Garrison, Matt Germain, Angela Godfrey, Dave Hornbacher, Sue Kennard, Cathy Kowalewicz, Roger Marquardt, Michelle Nensewitz, Father Jim Siler, Kathy Stevens, Carol Tondreau, Kathy Weiberg, and Kathy Wittman.

The Festival Raffle Ticket sales from the past few years made recent restorations at St. Augustine Church possible. These include a new roof, remodel of the sanctuary, chapel

renovations and some other interior and exterior upgrades. The proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the replacement of the heating and air conditioning system as well as the day-to-day operations of the parish and religious education programs. The festival and raffle is the only fundraiser to supplement parish functions all year.

Father Siler wrapped up the day with appreciation.

“We gathered together in celebration as a community of faith, with food, fun, festivities and prayer,” he said. “As your pastor, I want to express my thanksgiving to all who provided of their time, talent and treasure to make this Parish Festival a continued success, bearing much financial and most of all, spiritual fruits in the Kingdom of

God on Earth. All for God’s Glory, Honor and Praise!”

Courtesy Photo St. Augustine Festival guests enjoy many delicious food options on Sunday in Hillman.

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