Staff photos / Bob Coupland Noah Blake, 7, of Hubbard, selects a duck from the duck pull game at the St. Patrick Parish Festival, which kicked off Thursday in Hubbard.

HUBBARD — After a challenging year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and also St. Patrick Church catching fire in January, church members were thrilled to be able to return and celebrate with one another for the annual four-day summer festival.

The 63rd annual festival kicked off Thursday with a large crowd and long lines for homemade festival food.

The Rev. Michael Swierz, pastor of the church, said once again the members gather together as a parish community.

“Our parish community has gone through a lot with the coronavirus pandemic and the fire that devastated our church and our parish hall. We didn’t have a kitchen or many pots and pans to work with, but we wanted to have a festival this year and wondered how we could do it. Through hardwork and dedication, we were able to do it. I hope by coming together we will all have a good time. We know what it means to be a parish community. We will have a special festival this year,” Swierz said.

The festival was canceled last year and only a raffle drawing took place.

Deacon John Bartos said the festival helps bring some sense of normalcy. He said community members and other churches have helped make the festival possible.

“The food is all homemade, which many people who come here like. Other churches have reached out to help with the food preparation at other church locations,” he said.

Bartos said the festival is very exciting.

“We have almost 200 parishioners working together to prepare everything,” he said.

Swierz said proceeds from the festival help with the operation of the church.

Bartos said this year the raffle winner has the choice of a 2021 Trailblazer SUV or $20,000.

John Battisti and Ralph Rich, both of Hubbard, were fixing sausage and other meats and vegetables.

“It’s grateful the congregation is able to do this again,” Battisti said.

Anne Schur of Hubbard was recognized for being part of the festival for 40 years and was given a tiara to wear.

“I couldn’t do this without help from all of you working here. I am always doing the festival scheduling. I was so bummed out last year without the festival. I made 100 phone calls to line up people to help,” Schur said.

Many festival workers had special shirts with “We Will Rise Up” on them.

Leslie Kerr of Masury said people were so generous, donating more than 300 items for the basket raffle.

“It’s so nice to be back together with everybody,” Kerr said.

Therese Wells of Hubbard agreed with Kerr’s sentiments.

“It is a blessing for sure to be able to be here after the pandemic. Having fun at the festival is really great,” said Wells, who is chairperson of the raffle items.

The Rev. John Lavelle, who grew up in the church and was the former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Niles, said everyone he has seen has said they are thrilled to be able to have the festival.

“It was rough last year and felt like a loss of community. This event was really needed for everyone. I commend Father Swierz and the church for coming together to hold this festival and create a feeling of community,” Lavelle said.

Mayor Ben Kyle said the event also allowed for the holding of a three-hour COVID-19 vaccine clinic through the county health department on Thursday.