Hundreds of people braved the August heat to sample dishes from Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe and South America, play games and try their hand at karaoke during the Taste of St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs on Aug. 6. Photo By Michael Alexander
Lithia Springs
St. John Vianney holds a Taste Fest
By Michael Alexander, Staff Photographer | Published August 18, 2016
LITHIA SPRINGS—Hundreds of parishioners attended the Taste of St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs on Saturday, Aug. 6. Under various tents cuisine from Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe and South America was served to eager patrons.
![(L-r) Eleven-year-old Rachel Allen, her 2-year-old cousin Cyanna, and her stepmother Pita pose for a photo during the Taste of St. John Vianney Church Aug. 6. On her face’s left side, Rachel had the Italian flag painted to represent her father’s heritage and on the opposite side she had the flag of the Philippines painted to represent her stepmother’s heritage. Photo By Michael Alexander](https://b463404.smushcdn.com/463404/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016-08-18-GB-St.-John-Vianney-holds-a-Taste-Fest-005.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
(L-r) Eleven-year-old Rachel Allen, her 2-year-old cousin Cyanna, and her stepmother Pita pose for a photo during the Taste of St. John Vianney Church Aug. 6. On her face’s left side, Rachel had the Italian flag painted to represent her father’s heritage and on the opposite side she had the flag of the Philippines painted to represent her stepmother’s heritage. Photo By Michael Alexander
In addition to the food, the festival included games, face painting, music and a large water slide for the children. For a small donation one could throw a cream pie at the pastor, Father Ignacio Morales, and other parish leaders. There was also an opportunity to try your hand at karaoke.
It had been five years since the parish had put on an international festival, so they changed the name to the Taste of St. John Vianney Church and had its timing coincide with the Aug. 4 feast day of the parish patron saint. The proceeds are going toward repair work on the church and it is hoped enough money will be raised so the Taste becomes self-funding.
A number of parish members chipped in to pull the event together. Scott Evans was responsible for the entertainment; Frank Moran was in charge of logistics; Josephine Sabillo, Carmen Diaz and Trina Burke solicited food; and Deacon Frank Przybylek was the chairperson, who also handled advertising and marketing.