The other weekend celebration The other weekend celebration (May 20, 2005)

By Allison Gerard

A little indecisive these days and want to know where you can get burritos, spaghetti, hamburgers and calamari? No it's not a new fusion restaurant, it's the International Festival at St. Joseph Catholic School.

The school's 19th annual festival happens May 20, 21 and 22 -- the same days as Downtown Mountain View's A la Carte and Art Festival. Pat Almarol, the event co-chair, realized the overlap, but she points out that St. Joseph has been having its festival for 19 years on the third weekend of May and doesn't plan on changing it.

"It's really a different crowd than the one that goes to A la Carte and Art," she said, adding that "people can do both."

If the idea of food from around the globe, live music, carnival rides and the opportunity to raise money for the school and church sound like a good time, then the International Festival is the place to go. Aside from international food booths, festival-goers can enjoy the sounds of folk music, jazz and big band filtering through the air during the festival.

"The highlight of the festival is the entertainment and the food," said Almarol.

After filling up on tamales and hamburgers, kids and the few brave adults can ride carnival favorites such as the Zipper and bumper cars and try their hand at a number of games.

Admission and parking is free, but the food, games and rides will cost you. Last year the festival raised around $28,000 which was divided equally between the church and school. Almarol said she is thinking optimistically this year and hopes to raise $20,000 for each.

The students and parents are doing their part by manning the booths and, of course, buying lots of food and game tickets. The festival is not just about the school and the parish, Almarol said, but about bringing the community together.

"It's a place to meet friends, renew old (friendships) and make new ones," she said.

The festival is on the school grounds at 1120 Miramonte Ave. The hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 21, and noon-6 p.m. May 23. For more information contact the school at (650) 967-1839.

E-mail Allison Gerard at agerard@mv-voice.com

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