St. Mary’s 175th picnic expands with car show July 19

SWORMVILLE — In celebration of the 175th anniversary of St. Mary Parish, the annual Parish Picnic Weekend has been expanded to include a car show on Friday, July 19 from 5-9 p.m. This event is an ideal opportunity to celebrate history by offering the community a chance to showcase their beloved vehicles and personal stories. Motorcycles and trucks are also welcome. Prizes will be awarded for both People’s Choice and Participants’ Choice for best car, truck and motorcycle. Vehicles will be on display in the large lot behind St. Mary’s Main Church (6919 Transit Road) and in front of St. Mary School.  

Event chairs, Al and Debbie Chrzanowski, share, “We aim to fill the parking lot with car enthusiasts and spectators alike. This event celebrates community spirit with a perfect blend of passion and fun. We eagerly anticipate this (car show) becoming a cherished tradition for years to come.” 

The picnic will also offer a live DJ, food trucks (Johnny LaBella’s Pizza, LuGia’s Ice Cream and WNY Food Carts), souvenir T-shirts, basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Spectators should plan to park in the Swormville Fire Department parking lot off of Stahley Road. There is no admission fee.

To display your car, truck or motorcycle at St. Mary’s Car Show, pre-register at stmaryspicnic.com. After July 12, the registration fee is $15 per vehicle. Registration closes July 18.

St. Mary’s Picnic Weekend will continue with the 13th annual Chowder Chase 5k Race, Saturday, July 20, beginning at 7 p.m. St. Mary’s USATF certified 5k course is flat and fast. Runners of all ages are welcome. There is also a 3k course for those who wish to walk. Register online or by downloading a race form at stmaryspicnic.com. The first 200 registrants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and all participants receive a food/drink voucher and a ticket for a bowl of famous kettle cooked chowder on Sunday at the parish picnic. All adults are invited to St. Mary’s Wine and Beer Garden, 6:30-11 p.m., for a fun evening of live music by Twilight Entertainment and local food purveyors: Stockman’s Clam Bar, Campobello’s Pizza, and Uncle G’s Ice Cream. 

St. Mary’s 175th parish picnic will be held Sunday, July 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Picnic Sunday features games and activities for the kids, adult games of chance, live entertainment, and lots of food options: Chiavetta’s chicken BBQ, curly fries (back by demand), dogs/burgers/sausage, and more. Don’t forget to get a St. Mary’s picnic raffle ticket – you could win the $10,000 grand prize. Cash prizes totalling $19,500 will be awarded on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Complete St. Mary’s Picnic Weekend details are at stmaryspicnic.com.