By Jessica Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

Ballet Folklorico performs traditional Mexican dances at the St. John’s Fall Fiesta held on Saturday at the Logandale church. Photo by Jessica Robison.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Logandale held its annual Fall Fiesta on Saturday, October 8. This popular tradition has been going in the community for more than thirty years. All proceeds of the festival go toward operating the church and helping families in need.

But nowadays the fiesta is more about fun to those that organize it.

“I think even if we didn’t financially need it, we would still [have the fiesta],” said fiesta coordinator Cathy Sendlein. “People like doing it. It’s a fun day for the community.”

The Fall Fiesta focuses mainly on food. Booths were set up on the sidewalk in front of the church with vendors selling authentic Mexican food: taquitos, tostadas, enchiladas, empanadas, pozolles, fruit, burritos, and more. All the vendors were volunteers. Some spent more than a week preparing the food, then donating it to the cause, Sendlein said.

A shaded sitting area was provided for those that wanted to enjoy their food at the festival. Various forms of entertainment were displayed throughout the day. Several local musicians performed including Alicia Silva, Rebecca Caldwell and Chad Doty. A program of Traditional Dances from Mexico, performed by the Ballet Folklorico group, began later that evening.

Nearby was a carnival game area for children. Kids could purchase tickets to participate in activities such as a basketball shoot, a jump house, and more. Prizes were provided for the winners.

Amongst all of the food booths were a couple of other booths as well including a catholic gift shop containing a variety of religious items for sale. There was also a small thrift shop.

“We had about the same turnout as previous years with a steady flow throughout the day,” Sendlein commented. “We are very happy with the outcome and glad that the community supports us.”