KANOPOLIS — Tradition, good food and good times with family and friends are what the annual St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Fiesta, celebrated by the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Kanopolis, is all about.

This year’s festival is Saturday, Sept. 2, at the church.

“We are excited every year because lots of former parishioners return to visit our parish, much like a homecoming,” said Bonnie Orozco, one of the organizers of the fiesta.

Orozco said the funds raised during the fiesta generally go to support the local St. Ignatius parish and improvements, as well as donations to other charitable causes.

“I remember one year we donated all of our proceeds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” she said.

Raffle tickets can be purchased now from any parishioner. Orozco said this is one of the largest parts of the fiesta fundraising.

The fiesta raffle prize winners will be announced at 9 p.m.

Orozco said kids’ games with prizes will be available outside after Mass.

“We are very happy to have our Bishop, Jerry Vincke, celebrate Mass with us,” Orozco said.

Mexican food sales, both outside and in the church basement, will be served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., then resume at 4 p.m. after Mass. Serving will continue until the food is gone.

Games this year include the fish pond, lollipop spin, dart throw, corn hole, a kiddie barrel train and a bounce house (weather permitting).

Orozco said a total of 120 dozen tamales were made this year.

This year’s menu includes tacos, tostadas, tamales served both downstairs and outside, and beef enchiladas served downstairs only. Carry-out will be available.

Jesse Orozco and Gabe Orozco will have their hamburger stand, and the pie and ice cream window, another fiesta favorite, will be open again. Pop and iced tea will be sold both outside and downstairs.

A rosary will be said at 3 p.m., followed by Mass at 4 p.m. Bingo will start at 6 p.m. outside. Downstairs, raffle tickets will be sold in addition to the food and drink sales.

The familiar country store will also be open on church grounds during the fiesta as well.

Orozco said she is hoping for a big crowd this year at the event.

“We always pray for a good crowd,” she said. “We also pray to have enough workers to serve the crowd.”

Orozco said her favorite parts of the fiesta, like lots of others’, is the food and friends that gather to visit and the cool evening listening to people playing bingo, which means her job is done.

“Come try our Mexican food and enjoy one of the longest-standing traditions of our community,” she said. “Besides, who doesn’t love tacos and bingo?”

The fiesta has become a tradition in Kanopolis since it began in the late 1940s. Orozco and her crew follow in the footsteps of those seasoned veterans who have been involved in organizing the fiesta and overseeing the cooking for many years, such as Tomasa “Tommie” Cisneros and Alberta “Bert” Rojas.

All have one thing in common — they carry on that tradition while encouraging the younger generation to volunteer their time to get involved and keep the Fiesta alive in the future.

“I would like to extend an invitation to one and all,” she said. “Come enjoy our fiesta, great food and friendship, and if so inclined, stay and join in the fun. Vive la fiesta!”

The fiesta honors the history and heritage of the St. Ignatius Loyola Church. When Kanopolis was settled, its earliest residents were a diverse lot of French, Hispanic, Italian, German and Bohemian descent. Before a Catholic church was established at Kanopolis, settlers would travel on foot or by train to Ellsworth for Mass. Every fifth Sunday of the month, the priest would come to Kanopolis for Mass. Eventually, Mass was offered and religious education was provided in the homes of the Kanopolis parishioners.

One summer, the Rev. Ignatius Manzo, a young seminarian, came to teach classes. Following his ordination, he continued his work at Kanopolis, which was becoming a growing Catholic community. Seeing the need for funds, Manzo suggested they sell Mexican food as well as feature games.

Eventually, a drawing was added. Years later, the annual fiesta continues to be the church’s largest fundraiser.

For more information on the fiesta, Orozco invites the public to check for the fiesta flyer at local businesses and watch see the post on the St. Bernard, St. Ignatius and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes Facebook page.