Corndogs, hamburgers, hotdogs and cotton candy, are you getting hungry yet? If you are, then you will be glad to know that Novemberfest is right around the corner. Nativity Catholic Church of Brandon will be having its 42nd annual Novemberfest from Wednesday-Sunday, November 9-13. The festival is held on the church’s grounds and is recognized as the third largest social event in Hillsborough County, after the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival. It draws more than 100,000 visitors to the Brandon community. On Friday, November 4, there will be a kick-off dinner hosted by Formaggio’s Italian Restaurant at the church’s social hall from 5-7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, November 5, the fourth annual 5k run/ one-mile walk will start and end at the church. Participants can register for the run/walk at 7 a.m. and they will receive at runner’s T-shirt and a gift bag. The run/walk begins at 8 a.m.
“Last year, the age range of runners was 4 through 62,” said Ken Mason, committee chairman for the kick off dinner and 5k run/ one-mile walk. Mason also said the run/walk is a great way of reaching out to the community and showcasing the church as well as Nativity Catholic School. For more information about the run/walk or if you would like to register for the event, you can visit the school’s Website at www.nativitycatholicschool.org.
In addition to the run/walk, there will be a Novemberfest Idol singing competition. The competition is in its second year and gives local talent a chance to perform for the community. The first and second place winners will receive a $500 recording session at a local recording studio.
Many families in Brandon and the surrounding communities look forward to Novemberfest each year because it offers rides for all ages, along with a great food selection at affordable prices. Single ride tickets are available for $1. Armbands are $22, but if you purchase them in advance by Saturday, November 5, they are only $16 and are good for unlimited rides for a day. There will be a raffle for a grand prize of $5,000. Tickets for the raffle will be $1 for one or 6 for $5. Parking is free at Novemberfest as well.
“I remember how much fun I had as a child attending Novemberfest and I wanted to contribute to ensure my children; who attend Nativity Catholic School; as well as all of the kids in our community have the same opportunity that I did,” said R.J. Brauneker, chairman of Novermberfest. Brauneker attended Nativity’s school from kindergarten through eighth grade. He has been on the Novemberfest committee for nine years and has been the chairman for the last four years. Brauneker said that the festival caters something to all age groups. “It’s a safe environment, its family fun and a good event for the local community to participate in,” he said.
If you would like to find out more information about Novemberfest or if you would like to audition for Novemberfest Idol, you can visit the church’s Website at www.nativitycatholicchurch.org. Nativity Catholic Church is located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd.
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