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St. James fall festival returns

By Krystal Allan - bio | email

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Games, food and fun. It's the winning combination that's kept the St. James Fall Festival pulling in the crowds for years. Hundreds packed this year's festival on the church grounds Saturday afternoon.

"Everybody loves to have a good time and come out this time of year," Rick Tubertini said.

Tubertini played a part in creating that fun atmosphere as an emcee and disc jockey for this year's festival.

"It's kind of fun that you win all kind of cool stuff," 8-year-old Aidan Mikulenka said. 

As any parent will tell you, for the little festival goers, there's no missing out on this event.

"My kids have a blast," Amy Lee of Gulfport said. "We come every year.  We try to come both days.  If we don't, they beg and cry and scream to come." 

Her little ones came dressed for the occasion in bright orange tutus and black Halloween shirts.

"We have a tutu for every occasion," Lee said.

Others really got into the spirit.  Pint-size zombies were frequent sightings on the festival grounds.

New to the festival's food line-up this year were The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint and High Cotton Grill.  Inside you could find festival favorites like the silent auction and performances from local schools and groups. From food and games to music, the festival offers a little something for everyone.

"We try to play music that caters to all ages.  Some folks ask me why we play a lot of oldies. Well, the parents are the ones who have the money in their pockets. So it helps keep them here, it keeps the kids playing the games and it helps us raise the funds," Tubertini said. 

Money raised from this weekend of fun benefit St. James Elementary School.

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