St. Francis Episcopal Church of Great Falls will continue celebration of its 50th anniversary with a special “Homecoming Weekend” on Oct. 4-5. The weekend will include an all-new St. Francis Fair, a Saturday evening music program, and a Sunday morning Blessing of the Animals service.
The St. Francis Fair will be held at the church on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a variety of music and dance performances and children’s activities. Parking and admission to all activities are free. The church is located at 9220 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls.
The Main Stage schedule of events includes:
10 a.m. DJ Will Gralley, presenting songs from the ‘60s
11 a.m. St. Francis Creche preschool singers
11:30 a.m. Magical entertainment by Illusions by Vick
12:30 p.m. Co(h)da, an eclectic vocal ensemble
1 p.m. The English Country Dancers
1:30 p.m. Langley High School Madrigals and Women’s Chamber Choir
2 p.m. Noctonals, an a cappella ensemble
2:30 p.m. Maple Academy of Irish Dance
Additional performances for children include:
12:30 p.m. Jester Jerry
1 p.m. Animal show
1:30 p.m. Balloon artist demonstration
Children’s activities also include hayrides, face painting, a petting zoo, a juggling arena, children’s crafts, and a pop-up play area. The fair will also offer a bake sale, quilt display, Chinese auction, and concessions. The church will also serve a country lunch, with chicken and pork barbecue, hot dogs and hamburgers.
Jazz, Blues and the Spirit: A Concert
On Saturday evening, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m., St. Francis will present “Jazz, Blues and the Spirit: A Concert.” The concert will be held at the church, and will feature a multi-choir performance of Will Todd’s “Mass in Blue” conducted by Larry E. Vote and accompanied by the Difficult Run Jazz Band. Guest soloists include mezzo soprano Lena Seikaly and A. Scott Wood, artistic director of Amadeus Concerts and conductor of the Amadeus Orchestra, on trumpet. The St. Francis Choir and PING Ensemble from St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be featured. Tickets are $25, available online only at http://massinblue.brownpapertickets.com.
Blessing of the Animals
The Oct. 5 Blessing of the Animals service will be held outdoors at the church beginning at 9 a.m. All are welcome to bring their pets for a special blessing. A Feast of St. Francis service will be held indoors at 11 a.m. Nursery care is available for young children at both services.
For more information on the history of St. Francis Episcopal Church, visit the church online at www.stfrancisgreatfalls.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stfrancisgf. Call the church at 703-759-2082.