After 50 years of bringing rides, food, activities, music and fun to the community, Chad Franks, parishioner at Nativity of Our Savior Parish, said that Nativity Fest is a “well-oiled machine.”
“People know what to do and what to expect to make it a successful event,” said Franks, who is chairing the kids’ games along with his wife.
There are a variety of different bands performing at this year’s Nativity Fest, which runs from July 9 to 12, including Just the Cool Kids and The Relics on July 9, The Neverly Brothers and The Allen Wronko Band on July 10, Don Baron and the Lowest Common Denominators and Nawty on July 11, and Mariachi Nacional and Tonal Attitude on July 12.
July 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. also features karaoke, and Franks said there are non-stop opportunities for fun throughout the four-day festival.
More Top Picks Best Pillows For Vertigo And Neck Pain
“We have air-conditioned bingo, the midway with rides and some carnival games, and kids’ games will be available in a separate location from the midway,” he said. “We also have the ever-popular beer garden and food from Nancy’s Amazing Tacos. She is a grandma that is affiliated with the church and everyone knows her food. We will also have other options like pizza, corn on the cob, and you can always count on hot dogs and hamburgers.”
Other activities include a casino and a used book sale.
Franks said the community always turns out for a fun time at Nativity Fest.
“We are definitely expecting a big crowd. The city of Portage does not disappoint when it’s time to come out for a festival, and many other communities attend as well. We’ve established a foundation over these 50 years so it’s just something that people expect to attend when it is July. It’s an overall good time for people to get together and spend time together,” he said.
Funds from Nativity Fest go toward the church, school and other organizations in the community. Four-day wristbands for rides and attractions are $60 and are available in advance at the church through July 8.
Heather Augustyn is a freelance reporter.
50th Annual Nativity Fest
July 9-12
Nativity of Our Savior Parish, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Free admission; rides and some games and activities are ticketed
219-762-4858