St. John’s annual fest brings on music, games and food

Visitors to the annual St. John the Baptist Catholic Church festival, “Baker Street Bash,” this weekend can snack on hand-dipped ice cream bars, participate in carnival games and listen to a variety of musical acts, including a Celtic rock band from Orange County.

The yearly festival at 1015 Baker St. has been held in Costa Mesa for more than 50 years, and proceeds support the parish and school. The three-day celebration will feature rides and attractions, a rummage sale, Bingo in the parish hall and an opportunity drawing with a $5,000 grand prize.

Rock ‘n’ roll band, Public Rocks will perform opening night with special guest St. John the Baptist pastor Augustine Puchner. Irish folk group The Fenians will play Saturday night and Celtic Gold Irish Dancers will perform Sunday afternoon.

The festival will also hold two silent auctions, selling vacation rentals, gift cards, salon services and other items donated by local businesses and parishioners.

Festival organizers expect more than 10,000 visitors.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit sjbfestival.com.

—Kathleen Luppi