Storms passed through Sept. 4 and put a damper on the opening of this year’s Fall Fest at St. Ann’s Church in Emmaus.

However, by Sept. 5, festival goers packed the church grounds and were standing in lines for more than an hour to purchase food, drinks and desserts. Many still returned Sept. 6 to close out the annual fundraiser in which the rain held out for most of the event.

The Stefanie Johnson Band took to the Main Stage Sept. 4. Described as having a “Kelly Clarkson meets Taylor Swift” sound, Stefanie Johnson is an unsigned singer/songwriter from the Lehigh Valley who entertained the crowds amid rainy weather.

The judges on the baking contest committee determined whose baked goods earned ribbons.

In the junior division for cookies, Dalton Heimbach prepared s’mores cookies worthy of the first place finish. Charles Harada prepared Aunt Michelle’s Chocolate Chips and took second place. Gianna Barthol’s Unicorn Poop cookies earned a third-place finish.

In the adult division, James Harada’s Uncle Obi’s Brownies took home the first place ribbon while Linda Ernst’s Banana Blueberry Cake earned second place.

Smoked Butterscotch cupcakes prepared by Kimberly Eisenhart earned the first place ribbon for cupcakes while Maria T.’s Hawaiian Cupcakes earned second place and Robin Smith’s Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes earned a third place ribbon.

The weather cleared Sept. 5 and the crowds converged onto the festival grounds to take advantage of free country line dancing lessons before country music band Steel Creek took the main stage. Fans came ready with boots and hats to participate in the line dancing that continued through the close of the festival. Others came with their own chairs and packed the grass areas around the Big Tent to listen to the band and watch the dancing.

Festival goers enjoyed ethnic foods of halushki and halupki meals inside the school cafeteria.

Outside, the “Sausage Kings” prepared sausage, kielbasa & kraut and meatball sandwiches. Turkey barbecue, buttered noodles, potato pancakes, clam chowder, pierogies, walking tacos, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and fries were also available.

The baked goods section included the winning entries for the baking contests as well as dozens of other treats provided by volunteers.

In addition to soda and water, Draft birch beer was available.

The Tiki Bar offered nonalcoholic and alcoholic slushies.

A contest was also held to name the festival beer and four finalists were selected. “Take 2 Pils and Call Me in the Morning,” submitted by Tricia Charlesworth and featured Pilsner by the Sherman Street Beer Company, earned this year’s winning title.

Sherman Street Beer Company also featured Oktoberfest and Sunken Treasure White Ale.

Funk Brewing provided Citrus IPA. Miller Lite and rotating taps were also available.

Debbie D’Ottavio’s “Sacred Suds” was finalist two. Wayne Smitreski’s “St. Annie Girl” was finalist three and finalist four was Chris Kelleher’s “Sanctuary Suds.”

Threatening forecasts and eventual rain arrived Saturday night; however, Common Bond had a bright moment when they took to the main stage to close out the festival. Entertaining audiences for more than 20 years in the Lehigh Valley, this classic rock band performed favorites from the 1960s through the 1990s.

Inside the school gymnasium, festival goers could enjoy rounds of bingo and take their chance at winning one of the 275 baskets donated for the event. Winners were contacted by phone or text.

“The Big Ticket” cash winners were announced on the last day of the festival; 50/50 raffles took place every night.

Carnival rides and games covered the lot while face painting, Hoboken the Clown, the Tooth Fairy and the Animal Show by Wildlands Conservancy took place on the lower side of the grounds.

The Boys Scouts/Cub Pack 80 worked their annual dime pitch game for eager visitors to win glasses and mugs while raising money.

Fall Fest is considered a reunion by many.

Former St. Ann’s School students, faculty and church parishioners return each year hoping to connect with familiar faces. Residents of Emmaus, Upper Milford, Lower Macungie, Allentown, and even Northampton, Quakertown and Coopersburg, venture to St. Ann Church grounds on North Sixth Street annually to support this event.

Many volunteers dedicated their time to prepare for this annual event as well as individuals, families, and businesses who made donations to support it. No sooner is this year’s Fall Fest over, the committee will meet and begin plans for Fall Fest 2026.

Individuals and groups interested in volunteering or donating items can contact the parish.