Volunteer cook Jim Monahan spends 40 to 50 hours over four days in the St. Michael's School kitchen slaving over a hot stove every year. Pork is shredded, meatballs are rolled. Sausages sizzle on the grill.

Despite the crazy hours, Monahan said he is a willing participant at the Feast of St. Michael's, a fair that St. Michael's School hosts every year in honor of its patron saint. In fact, Monahan said he loves it. He's working with good friends, as the community surrounding St. Michael's church is tight-knit.

"It's four days of being together and enjoying each other's company," he said.

A free event, proceeds from food and activity sales are funneled towards school improvements. Last year, the event drew in a total of $20,000, and past projects funded by carnival proceeds have included the installation of a playground and science room renovations, principal Sandy Miragliotta said.

This year, organizers scheduled the Feast of St. Michael's from Thursday to Sunday. Despite cancelling Thursday night's festivities due to suspected foul weather, the rest of the weekend went off without a hitch.

Hundreds of people poured into the parking lot at St. Michael's School to hop on rides that included a ferris wheel and salt shaker. There was a face-painting station which transformed children into butterflies and super heroes. For adults, there was a 'beer garden' tent and rock bands. The food court offered funnel cake, pizza, Italian sausage, pulled pork, meatballs, macaroni and cheese and more.

"There's something for everyone," Mary-Beth Byrne said, part of the four-person committee which organizes the event every year. Other committee members include Jim Byrne, Jeanne Sabatino and Al Sabatino. 

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