One of the best parts of the Fall season is seeing all the elementary schools have their festivals to kick off the season. St. Juliana’s is having their Fall Festival this weekend from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29. This is to make money to support their school and to help with the kids’ education. I am a proud alumna from St. Juliana Elementary School, and I have to say, our Fall Festival is one of the best in Orange County. I remember going to school the Monday before Fall Festival and getting all excited as all the rides came in on big trucks. The whole week before was so exciting because that was all you looked forward to. From the music to the food to the thrilling rides they have–the vibes are just immaculate. Here is what to expect at this year’s St. Juliana Fall Festival.
Times and Tickets- Each day the Fall Festival opens and closes at a certain time. Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 3-11 p.m., and Sunday 3-9 p.m. You can buy tickets in a pack of 40 tickets for $40. You can also buy smaller packs of tickets for less money. In order to get food, they sell food tickets at the same place you buy your ride tickets. So, as you get your ride tickets, don’t forget to get food tickets as well.
Music- Every night they have live entertainment on the stage that is set up outside. There is never a moment where music isn’t blasting in your ears. I live nearby and I can even hear the music from my house. The bands that perform are always amazing and we love to hear the variety of music that they all play. Lots of people like to dance and sing along, so don’t be ashamed to sing your heart out. Every year, I always see an old couple dancing together in front of the stage dancing to the music. How sweet! I hope to be like them when I am older.
Rides- Although they only set up the rides within a week the rides, hands down, are the best part. The little kid rides are on the upper blacktop. Each kid ride requires at least four tickets to be able to ride. I would like to note that the little dragon roller coaster is a must! On the lower blacktop, they have all of the bigger rides such as the drop tower and Area 51 ride. Of course, they have other fun rides, but those two are always the most popular.
Games- Along with buying ride and food tickets, you can also buy game tickets to play some really fun games run by the St. Juliana community. They have toy pig races, ring toss, coin toss and many more! I loved the goldfish one when they used to have it. I would always come home that weekend with maybe 10 fish in a super small bowl! Sorry fishies.
Food and Beverages- The Fall Festival Food is always SO good. To get food, you need to get the food and beverage tickets that are sold at the ticket counter. They have many options such as American (hotdogs, pizza, hamburgers, etc.) and Filipino (chicken/steak skewers, rice, egg rolls, etc.). I would recommend their Filipino food! It is so delicious, and it always hits the spot. There is a beverage tent that sells sodas, water and much more.
Dessert- Inside the Parish Center, they have a dessert stand where you can buy delicious treats such as cake pops, caramel apples, rice Krispies and so many other delectable sweets. I know they also have funnel cakes that you can buy inside as well.
I asked a few people that attended the fall festival in previous years what their favorite part about the Fall Festival is. My mom, Regina LeVecke ‘95, who is an alumna from both St. Juliana and Rosary Academy, gave her opinion on what her favorite part of the Fall Festival is. She shared, “My favorite part about the St. J Fall Festival is being able to hang out with all of my friends and listen to music together outside. I also love seeing my daughters and their friends all running around and making memories together. It’s truly heartwarming.”
Kate Duarte ‘26, who also graduated from St. Juliana stated, “My favorite part is seeing all of my friends and my old teachers from St. Juliana. My favorite memory from the Fall Festival is going on the Zipper all night with my friends.” Freshman Danielle Thiemann ‘28, who is an alumna from St. Juliana, answered: “My favorite part is riding the zipper with my friends. My favorite memory is in first grade waiting in line to go on the Zipper with Anne Duarte ‘28 for the very first time.”
Some things that will be missed this year: the Zipper and Mexican Food. I just really wished they had the Zipper this year because it is my favorite ride. It got replaced by bumper cars and an extra mirror maze. I guess I will just have to ride the drop tower continuously. The Mexican food was great, but we just have to hope that it returns next year. I don’t know why these attractions will be absent from the festival, but they will be very missed this year.
Although their Fall Festival is relatively small, nothing can beat the love everyone has for it. Can’t wait to see everyone there, have a great time and stay safe!
