Open Arms Extended to Military
NEWS RELEASE I--For Immediate Release--BIG HOMECOMING FESTIVAL IN CASTROVILLE
July 22, 2011
Open Arms Extended to Military
Further Contact: Frankie Kempf, St. Louis Church,
610 Madrid, Castroville, TX 78009
Phones: 830-931-2826 or 210-287-2642
CASTROVILLE, TX--"The Little Alsace of Texas," located less than an hours drive from any of the military installations in the San Antonio area, opens its arms in extending a cordial invitation to all their military friends to become part of the 129th birthday party of one of the country's most famous one-day church festivals, the annual St. Louis Day Celebration. The "Homecoming for the State of Texas" held annually at Castroville's Koenig Park, into its second century of merrymaking, is slated for Sunday, August 21.
It is expected that just as in the past, numerous military families will join the local townsfolk, not only to enjoy fine food and entertainment, but in large part, to be treated to good old Alsatian hospitality and a big dose of "just folks" atmosphere. Each year the folks of this little Alsatian village of around 3,000 inhabitants that is located just 15 minutes west of Sea World of Texas and Fiesta Texas in San Antonio and Lackland AFB on U.S. Hwy. 90, have treated their visiting guests to a giant Alsatian sausage and barbecue brisket meal, complete with all the trimmings and desserts. This year's meal will be served from 11:00 a.m. till about 2:00 p.m., and promises to satisfy appetites of the hungriest diner. Visitors are served at the rate of 2,000 per hour under the huge dining pavilion without long waiting lines, or many spread their picnic blankets under the shade of the park's ancient pecan trees, and enjoy the plates to go in true picnic style. Heaping plates are all only $7.00 each. Advance meal tickets are also available at the regular meal price. Checks or money orders for tickets should be sent to St. Louis Day Celebration, 610 Madrid, Castroville, TX 78009.
After a 9:00 a.m. Mass in historic St. Louis Catholic Church, celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-'Siller and sung by the famed internationally-known Liederkranz Choir, attention will focus on Koenig Park. At the park, after the mammoth meal, collectors can attend the afternoon auction beginning at about 1 o'clock inside spacious AIR CONDITIONED Koenig Park Hall. Craft booths and entertainment booths, as well as numerous food, beer, cold drink stands, and lots of free live entertainment on two stages featuring bands, singing and dance groups will be scattered throughout the shaded park. The newest addition will be the first ever St. Louis Day Biergarten Tent. Kiddie Korner, with a large assortment of rides and games, sno-cones, balloons, ice cream and candy will keep the youngsters entertained. The 36th Annual St. Louis Day Horseshoe Pitching Tournament will pit the skills of the best men and women horseshoe tossers in the area, all pitching at their best to win the 2009 picnic championship trophies, while the 13th annual St. Louis Downs will crown a new champ at the race track.
Several extra-large beautiful hand-stitched quilts, valued at about $1200 to $1500 each, and a giant slate of thirty-plus fabulous merchandise prizes and gift certificates will go to lucky winners at the annual picnic drawings, that will cap the day's events. The grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 pre-paid VISA check card.
Plenty of free parking is available near and at the park and shuttle busses will run, free of charge, between the park, the town square, and other strategic stops for more convenient parking that day. Visitors are reminded there is NO admission charge to the park on festival day. Visit www.saintlouisday.com for more information.