St. Ambrose of Woodbury Hosts Its Second Annual Fall Festival

Party on: Sean Jones and Laura and Rusty Nereng pose in the photo booth at last year’s festival.

St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Community brings back its two-day fall festival, Sawfest, for a second year. With live music, a talent show, food, a beer garden, games for all ages and carnival rides, the festival welcomes neighbors of all ages and is open to the public.

 Last year’s inaugural festival had been in the works for almost a year, and the planning paid off with a well-attended event. (The festival’s name comes from the way St. Ambrose is typically abbreviated—SAW). The event’s seasonal logo, designed by Darcy Sperle, incorporates the parish’s name and some autumnal imagery.

The inspiration for the event came from Father Stan Mader, the church’s head pastor at the time, who had previously worked with five rural parishes to put together the All Saints Music Festival.

“He brought his past experiences and successes with that event to St. Ambrose,” says Lee Ann Enquist, co-chair of Sawfest and marketing and publicity committee head. “Specifically, he brought forward the idea of building a larger event that would work well here in the east metro and cater to such a young and vibrant community.”

Building a stronger sense of community, both within the parish and within the larger Woodbury area, remains the key mission of the event. Some favorite activities are back by popular demand, including music from the Buck Tucker Band on Friday night. On Saturday, Dan Ristrom & The Big Throwdown will take the stage.

And new this year, the fest will hold a talent show as part of the Saturday lineup.

Sawfest 2018
September 21-22
Friday 5:30-10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
St. Ambrose of Woodbury