Members of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill are preparing hundreds of pounds of homemade foods in preparation of the parish’s 87th annual festival, which takes place on Friday and Sunday.

The festival, which has taken on a new look the past two years as a result of the pandemic, is a summer drive-in, which allows visitors to order their food right from their cars.

“The 87th annual Saint Joseph Parish Festival, although again set up a bit different this year, serves to permit our parish to continue its good works of service and mission throughout both the Panther Valley area and the greater community,” said Nathan Halenar, one of the organizers of the festival.

“Patrons will have the chance to purchase the traditional and ethnic foods they have come to enjoy, and due to the drive-in setup, these may be purchased in larger quantities than one could normally carry away from the festival grounds. We look forward to serving all patrons with improved efficiency in an effort to move the lines faster.”

Items for sale include homemade pierogies, haluski, halupki, burgers and hot dogs, funnel cake, soups, sausage or meatball sandwiches, wings and the ever popular bleenies.

In addition to food, the summer drive-in will also include a mega basket raffle, which includes 10 themed baskets worth at least $300, as well as a money raffle, home heating raffle, Weber gas grill and a television.

Halenar said tickets for these raffles will be available at the drive-in event.

“The support given toward this event is always a highlight of summertime in our area and we are truly appreciative of the way our parishioners and friends rally in assistance toward this our largest annual fundraiser,” he said.

The summer drive-in will run from 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, or to print out a food order form, visit www.stjscatholicchurch.org/st-joseph-parish-summer-drive-in.

St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley is located at 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill.