There will be three days full of activities this weekend in Bear Creek for the 53rd annual St. Mary’s Sauerkraut Festival held on the parish grounds. Entertainment will be highlighted Friday night with a new event planned, comedian John Branyan.
“He is a family-friendly comedian,” explained Mary Ann Rowan, who’s with St. Mary’s. “His motto is comedy without residue, so there will be no bad language, just lots of laughter. The show starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.”
Gates open Friday at 6 p.m. and entry is free other than a free-will donation. Sauerkraut Fest is the only fundraiser of the year for St. Mary’s and Rowan says the whole community pulls together to volunteer for the event.
On Saturday, they’ve brought back the live auction, which kicks off the day at 10 a.m. and finishes with battle of the bands from 8 p.m. until midnight. Sunday, the day begins with a car show at 8 a.m., mass at 10 a.m. and you can enjoy all types of sauerkraut foods you can imagine.
“Sauerkraut dinner will have things like the Matthew’s famous pulled pork, our sauerkraut dishes and there’s also actually sauerkraut in the chocolate cake. We have special things, baked beans, kraut salads and homemade desserts and pies that day.”
Sunday also features a parade at 1:30 p.m., kids games, a huge raffle at 4 p.m. and music until 5 p.m.