St. Ambrose Celebrates 82nd Fall Festival

Hundreds of people packed the St Ambrose Catholic Church campus on October 17 as they enjoyed the 82nd annual Fall Festival..

Attendees said this is a special time for the community to come together and attend a fun, loving atmosphere.

‘“I like how [we] come together to celebrate the beginning of fall,” said senior Jacob Felger, who attended the festival and participated in the corn hole tournament.

Saint Ambrose, along with its sister church, Holy Family Mission (located in Mereta) play a huge role in bringing together the Wall community. The Fall Festival is just one of many events they host throughout the year, and dozens of community members are needed to help pull off the event.

“To work and help out waiting tables, and just to enjoy the company,” said sophomore waiter Joe Melone about his responsibilities at the festival. He worked as a volunteer, contributing to Saint Ambrose’s traditional feast.

At the festival, there are a variety of activities that range from bingo to carnival games. Several festival attendees named these games as their favorite part of the event.

“[I love] the food and corn hole tournament,” said senior Kenny Russell when asked what he loves about attending. Russell attended the festival for the food and competed in the corn hole tournament. 

Plates-to-go is one of the longest-standing traditions of the festival, and allows community members to participate, even if they can’t stay. 

“I have been [helping with plates-to-go] for about [10] years, and maybe longer than that,” said church member Debbie Hajovsky, who serves as a member of the church group.

For 82 years, the St. Ambrose and Holy Family Fall Festival has been a community staple, one they plan to continue for many more to come.