The last two weekends in July promise to be a gala reunion time as well as an action-packed series of games and fun when the Men of Marian holds a flea market, its 49th annual picnic and the second annual summer games on the grounds of the Catholic high school in Hometown.

“There will be plenty to do, that’s for sure, and it’ll be a time for all members of the Marian family, and their friends and supporters, to come together for a weekend of fun, relaxation, good food and entertainment,” said John Patton, president of the booster organization that supports the academic and athletic programs at Marian.

The Men of Marian raise close to $100,000 annually to support all of the programs at the Hometown school.

Flea market

The first of the two-weekend fundraising program will be held July 19 to 21, with a giant flea market in the school gymnasium. The Friday hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

People willing to donate items to the flea market can do so by calling 570-668-2225 or 570-647-0641.

The items can also be dropped off at the school through Wednesday. No clothes or books will be accepted.

Festival

On July 26 to 28, there will be festivities on the school grounds.

The festival, featuring ethnic foods and entertainment, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. July 26 and 27, and noon to 5 p.m. July 28. The picnic is the Men of Marian’s largest annual fundraising event, having a goal of $20,000.

The entertainment lineup includes: July 26, Jean and American Dream; July 27, Sakes Alive; and July 28, DJ Zac Mrochko.

In addition to the entertainment, the festival will offer homemade foods, a bake sale, raffles, games for the children, face-painting, bounce jump, children’s activities, a cornhole tournament and the second annual summer games.

The picnic will be held rain or shine.

Summer games

The weekend is an opportunity for both students and adults to participate in several recreational events as part of the summer games.

They include a 5K run and 3K walk at 9 a.m. on July 27, a boys’ high school basketball tournament from 4 to 9 p.m. on July 26 and 27, a co-ed/quad outdoor grass volleyball tournament, and a punt/pass/kick football tournament.

The basketball tournament will be a three-in-three format in the high school gymnasium.

To register, contact Coach Mike Brennan, 570-952-1737.

For the volleyball tourney, teams should arrive at 8 a.m. on July 27 in anticipation of an 8:30 a.m. start at the Men of Marian Stadium. In case of rain, the location will move to the gymnasium. There are two divisions: Junior for grades 7-12 and adult.

To register or for more information, call Coach Rachel Krajcirik, 570-225-6292.

The punt, pass and kick competition will start at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Men of Marian Stadium. Participants may be between the ages 7-15. No entry fee needed.

For details, call 570-668-2225 or 570-647-0641.

Other information for all of the events is available on the school’s website: www.mariancatholichs.org.

Marian graduates are also encouraged to visit the picnic reporting station where they can learn more about the Marian Catholic Alumni Association. Membership forms will be available.

In addition to Patton, serving as 2018-19 officers of the Men of Marian are John Malarkey Jr., vice president; Maria (Slog) McGinley, secretary; Billy O’Gurek, treasurer; and Jack Malarkey, membership chairman.