Last weekend saw people from all around the area in a ‘festive’ mood, with two area churches holding their annual fall festivals.

Saturday, Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater held their Lutefisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner & Fall Festival, where guests were once again greeted by the familiar face of Lena (Liz Smith).

Throughout the day attendees bid on silent auction items and bought raffle tickets, found treasures at Grannie’s Attic, purchased handmade gift items, and came home with home-baked treats.

Although the sun was shining the wind was brisk, which brought the Kid Zone fun inside the church. The move didn’t bother the kids, who had a blast playing games and bouncing around in the bounce house. The Clearwater Fire Dept. also had one of their fire trucks on hand for them to explore.

Ole’s Grill & Beer Garden remained outside, where people just bundled up a bit more before sitting down to enjoy refreshments.

Once again the most anticipated event of the festival was the lutefisk and Swedish meatball dinner, which was served at 3:30 and 5 p.m. Along with a traditional meal, diners were treated to a variety of homemade Scandinavian desserts.

“We have compliments on our lutefisk every year and owe a great deal to those who founded this dinner and taught lutefisk preparation to a very faithful crew,” said festival organizer Rhoda Senkler. “Our dinner involves several days of preparation of homemade Scandinavian desserts, homemade bread, pickled beets and pickles, real mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs and gravy prepared at Rejoice, along with the traditional lutefisk with white sauce or melted butter.”

The variety of offerings keeps many guests coming back year after year, some who travel a long way. This year a woman from Australia came to the festival and had lutefisk for the first time. She enjoyed it!

“It takes many volunteers to make the day happen,” said Senkler. “I am grateful to all of them for their faithful dedication to this day that celebrates our heritage and invites the community to share it with us.”

Along with the volunteers, Rejoice extended thanks to all the local and regional businesses for their support and donations, as well as the Clearwater Fire Dept. for giving their time.

The fall festival was begun as a traditional way of honoring the area’s Scandinavian heritage. Along with the meal, activities were added to reach out to others and make the day one that can be enjoyed by all.

The annual festival is a major fundraiser for Rejoice. Money raised goes to the church’s general fund.

Sunday, St. Marcus Catholic Church in Clear Lake held their annual Harvest Festival, which is a celebration for parishioners and a fundraiser for the church.

The festival began with an all you can eat breakfast of homemade pancakes and potatoes pancakes, eggs and McDonald’s Meats’ sausage. Guests could also participate in the meat raffle and grand raffle, as well as bid on the numerous silent auction items that were donated by businesses and individuals.

Children’s activities were available to welcome and entertain the kids.

The money raised from the festival goes to the parish general fund.