The Festival of Roses brings Draper community together

Intermountain Catholic

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Two girls enjoy a ride during the Festival of Roses at the Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper. The purpose of the festival is to raise funds to pay for St. John the Baptist Parish's mortgage and to bring the community together. The festival was May 15-17.

DRAPER — The Skaggs Catholic Center was filled with rides, booths, music, and people as the 10th annual Festival of Roses took place May 15-17.

The festival is the largest social event of the Skaggs center and its main purpose is to bring down the mortgage debt of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Draper, said Cindy Haddick, festival chairperson.

Haddick said she does not have the numbers yet, but based on preliminary calculations, the festival was a fundraising success.

"We were busier than last year. We had a crowd all weekend long," she said. "People were willing to help despite the economy."

The festival was actually a two-weekend event that started with a golf tournament May 8, and a Mardi Gras celebration May 9.

Nearly 150 people participated in the golf tournament this year; so, to better accommodate the golfers, the tournament was moved from South Mountain Golf Course to Stonebridge Golf Club.

"Stonebridge has 27 holes, which is better because we’ve had to turn people away in the past due to the overwhelming response," said Haddick.

Golfers of all skill levels had the opportunity to win a prize on every hole; but the big draw for many was the food.

"We had a great rib lunch," said Haddick.

The Mardi Gras celebration was a night out for adults. It started with a tenderloin dinner, and it included a bar, live band performances, and a live auction. The auctioned items included trips, furniture, and four box seats for a Real Salt Lake game, among others.

But the most coveted item was a dinner with Msgr. Terence M. Moore, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish.

"It raised about $4,000. It includes a dinner prepared by our master chef for approximately eight people," said Haddick. "Msgr. Moore is near and dear to our hearts," she said referring to the high bids a dinner with him raises.

Another live auction big seller was an evening with the Holy Cross sisters. The demand for this item was such it had to be auctioned twice this year.

The festival itself started on the evening of May 15 with a Louisiana gumbo dinner, live music, games, and rides.

The next day started with a 5K run or a one-mile walk that began in the center circle of the Skaggs center and winded through the Draper community.

"Msgr. Moore does it every year. He made it in good time. He always walks and has a good time," said Haddick.

After the run/walk, there was an official opening ceremony with Darell H. Smith, mayor of Draper. The day continued with indoor vendors, a bake sale, rides, games, and performances by Nite Fall, Therapy 4.0, and The Right Amount. There were also workshops on wine tasting the sushi basics, and a western barbecue dinner by Famous Dave’s.

The fun continued until the festival’s last day, which featured a music band of sixth-graders.

"They were so good! They played three songs; but then, the audience gave them a standing ovation and pushed for a fourth song," said Haddick.

The festival might be St. John the Baptist Parish’s largest fundraising event, but it is also an occasion to bring people together. As you approached the festival grounds, you would see kids running around, parents carrying their youngsters, or adults enjoying a meal. Music and laughter were the background sound.

"Msgr. Moore said we accomplished our goal of making the festival a community event," said Haddick.