Like many organizations, planned social events during the spring and summer were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church’s annual church picnic this past June was no different - it was canceled.

Church members, in order to create a fellowship opportunity and a fundraising activity, held a grab-and-go dinner event at the church, 122 Union St., Catasauqua. The event was held Aug. 21 and 22. Congregants and others ordered food that was delivered to their cars lined up on Union Street.

The event had the feel of the old 1970s Stewart’s Drive-In Restaurant, formerly located on Union Boulevard in Allentown.

Several tasty sandwiches and barbecues, funnel cakes, cabbage noodles and french fries were for sale.

Kim Smith, church secretary and event coordinator, said they expected to serve more than 100 people.

David Domin, a volunteer at the church and an event car waiter, noted the Friday grab and go served more than 50 carloads of people.

“The cars were backed up to and down South Front Street,” Domin said.

Smith expected to have a busy Saturday with a burst of activity directly after 4 p.m. Mass.

The volunteers labored on a hot, late Saturday afternoon but worked cheerfully and collegially.

Smith said the next event planned is an OctoberFest 5-9 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17. The event will be held on the gathering place grounds across Union Street opposite the church.

The OctoberFest features ethnic food with beer, wine coolers and wine. Pastries and coffee are also served.

Call the church secretary at 610 264-0332 if you want to volunteer or for more information.