Leland turns out for St. James Spaghetti Dinner and Fair

by Lora Delhom

Cars lined Deer Creek on Tuesday, September 23, as St. James Catholic Church served up heaping plates of spaghetti and small-town cheer at its 95th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Fair Fundraiser.

Inside, the fellowship hall was a sea of red-gingham tables as families and friends gathered for the $15 spaghetti suppers, with dine-in, drive-thru and to-go lines running nonstop. A silent auction began at 5 p.m., and raffle prizes from $1 to $100 were drawn at 8 p.m.

Outside, the new Kids Zone proved a hit. Children bounced in the inflatable house and cheered at the dunking booth, where Father Sleeva took multiple turns getting soaked. Fourth grader Marshall hit the target on his first try, earning laughs and applause.

The ribeye meat booth was popular with adults, while the cake booth and bingo table drew enthusiastic players of all ages. Hamburgers with grilled onions sold for $4, adding to the fair-style atmosphere.

“Community events like this remind us why we love living here in Leland,” one parent said. “We saw neighbors, friends — and our son left sweaty and happy.”

Proceeds support parish programs and community outreach. For details, call the parish office at 662-686-7352 or Blake Palasini at 662-820-1348.