HOBOKEN – Our Lady of Grace Church will host the 11th annual FunFest weekend and NiteFest on Saturday evening, June 4 and all day Sunday, June 5. The non-profit fundraiser takes on new importance this year because proceeds will fund the church’s restoration project, which is critical to preserving one of Hoboken’s oldest churches and nationally-registered historic places.
Our Lady of Grace was founded in 1851. Nearly 165 years later, the church needs to undergo major repairs to its towering ceilings plus a total building overhaul, including installing new floors, refinishing the pews and art restoration to the stained glass windows, murals and paintings – all of which festival proceeds will benefit.
FunFest is a two-day festival, both taking place at Church Square Park between Fourth and Fifth streets on Willow Avenue, and includes:
• NiteFest – Saturday, June 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. A lively biergarten under the stars will feature music, craft beers, sangria, delicious foods and games of chance where attendees can both raise and win money.
• FunFest – Sunday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pony rides, face-painting, crafts and bouncy houses for kids. Adults can enjoy a variety of great food, beverages, music and raffles, including the Super 50/50. Last year a winner took home nearly $6,000 at last year’s festival. Channel 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist, Jeff Smith is set to attend to show his support.
No admission fees required to attend either event. New to this year’s FunFest, Our Lady of Grace will swing open its doors to Hoboken residents and visitors for all to enjoy the church’s German Gothic architecture, historic art and statues, and grand organ with:
• Organ Concert Exhibition – Master musician, Dr. Vincent Rone, will perform two show-stopping 20-minute classical organ concerts at 2 to 4 p.m. The concert will be played on the church’s grand organ that was installed back in 1909.
• Historic Church Tours – Lifelong Hoboken resident and Our Lady of Grace historian, Carol Wilson, will offer tours at 3p.m. and 4:30 p.m. that highlight the art and architecture of the church, including paintings and ceremonial vessels that was gifted to the church by Victor Emmanuel, Emperor Napoleon III and other Italian and French royalty when the church was dedicated.
Festival organizers welcome any businesses or individuals that wish to donate to or sponsor the event. To learn more or get involved, please visit the Our Lady of Grace FunFest website at: http://www.olgfunfest.com.
Our Lady of Grace to host 11th annual NiteFest and FunFest in Hoboken
