Our 2023 shrine fair was a huge success thanks to the help of so many hard-working, caring and generous people who provided more support that I could have ever imagined. To see everybody working so hard at the fair brought great joy to my heart.

I humbly thank-you all. I apologize for not naming everyone who helped, but there were so many workers that I may unknowingly omit some names, which would be a great disservice. I am actually beyond words because of the overwhelming response for the request for help that I received. So many volunteered and worked countless hours before, during and after the fair.

They worked in hot weather and sometimes on rainy nights collecting items for the fair with any complaints. Without the help from all who worked so hard to put the fair together I would not have been able to do it. As we all know, preparation for the fair begins weeks, sometimes months in advance, and all who helped worked tirelessly and patiently to make the fair highly successful. I would like to personally thank each and every person who helped. Many came back on Labor Day to help clean up as well, and I am so appreciative of everyone’s efforts.

I would also like to thank our wonderful Franciscans who so patiently and humbly put-up with all the confusion and constant use of the shrine center causing them to be displaced while all the preparation was happening.

Thank-you all so very much. My wife and I feel beyond blessed to have such a beautiful, warm and supportive shrine community. ~Wayne Pickles