The art of tamale-making has been a long-time tradition for members of St. John the Evangelist catholic church in Logandale. It began over two decades ago in the old St. John’s building which was located in downtown Overton.
At that time, the women of the church began making tamales as a modest fundraiser. This authentic Mexican dish consisting of seasoned meat packed in cornmeal dough, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed, was a runaway success among local residents. It became a popular tradition adopted by the entire community. The ladies quickly learned that revenues from tamale sales could be a big help in building a much needed new church.
After the new church was completed, the original need for the fundraiser was over. The idea was tossed around that perhaps the Fiesta should now be discontinued. But voices in the community who loved the traditional mexican festival pleaded that it continue. So the ladies of the church continue to make their traditional faire and hold this mainstay fall fiesta.
For the past two months the ladies at St. Johns have been busy making hundreds of tamales for the upcoming Fall Fiesta. It is not an easy process. Thanks to Luz Sosa, Chairman of the tamale making, St. John’s was able to make 300 dozen tamales for the upcoming Fiesta.
This year’s Fiesta will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 11 am to 7pm at St John’s Catholic Church, 2955 St. Joseph St., Logandale
