An event that began in 2024 with St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Perry is returning this year, happening on Sunday.

St. Patrick’s Catholic School is gearing up for the second annual Summerfest. Principal Kandice Patillo outlines the idea came from Father Litto Thomas, who wanted to celebrate the variety of cultures that create the local parish in the Perry community. 

She notes that the meal will be potluck-style, where people can bring their favorite dishes, as The Knights of Columbus will be roasting a hog, and the hispanic community within the church will cook meals from four different cultures. After Perry was struck with devastation last year with the shooting at Perry High School, Patillo was looking at this event to bring light back to the community.

“Let’s bring people together and give them a reason to celebrate. Let’s acknowledge what our parish is and all that we have to offer, and bring some joy back to it as well. And I think it was a really big highlight, because that was it, people were just genuinely excited to come together for a good reason and that was to acknowledge and be thankful for each other.”

Patillo mentions there will be inflatables for the youth, face painting, dancers performing, and live music. The event is open to people of all ages for free and is happening at the South Green Lot across from the Catholic Church, 1312 3rd Street, in Perry on Sunday from noon to 5pm.