St. Denis Fun Fair History

Welcome to a new idea

On November 11th, 1968 a parish-wide meeting was held at St. Denis to review the current status of the parish and to discuss the need for greater participation in parish life. Pastor Sherman presided, joined by several active parishioners, including Joe Perna, John Kennedy, John Savini, Mr. Finocchiaro, and Mrs. Rogers, President of the Women’s Club.

The meeting highlighted both the stability and financial challenges of the parish. In response, a proposal was introduced to form a Men’s Committee for Action, aimed at strengthening parish involvement and supporting fundraising efforts. Two events, two ‘ideas’ were proposed to begin this work — a Fall Bingo Night and a Carnival in May.

Discussion among parishioners reflected both caution and enthusiasm, but the spirit of cooperation prevailed. Mrs. Rogers pledged the support of the Women’s Club, emphasizing unity and shared purpose. By the meeting’s close, volunteers had stepped forward, marking a renewed commitment to the future of St. Denis Parish and setting the stage for years of active community involvement.

"Let the so called active few, together with power leadership, direction, and blessings of our Pastor for some common sense (sure-shot guidelines) to insure, direct a positive course of action for harmony, understanding and awakening of the parishioners role in responsibilities, duties, participation, and involvement in the Parish Community Life. In short- let we who claim to know, be willing to show others how. Joe Perna "

December 12, 1968 — First Fun Fair Meeting

Parishioners of St. Denis met to begin plans for Project ’69 – The Parish Fair, replacing the earlier idea of a “Carnival,” which had met with poor reception. The meeting stressed cooperation and shared purpose: every participant’s willingness to serve was key to success.

Two guiding thoughts were adopted — we are not professionals and we will succeed. All were reminded that no one worked for another, but with one another, united in a common goal: the success of the Parish Fair and the parish community.