REGISTER

Location
New location for family faith fest 
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, Florida 33610

Phone: 813-621-7821

Parking
Click here for directions to the Florida State Fairgrounds. There will be free parking! Enter parking lot through Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Once you enter the Fairgrounds there will be Parking Attendants and signage to direct you to Gate three.

Why location has changed 
A wetter than normal fall season has caused the grounds at Al Lopez Park to become overly saturated and park officials have informed us that our event plans would have to be greatly modified and limited if we remain at Al Lopez Park. For the safety, enjoyment and comfort of all, we have decided we must relocate the Family Faith Fest.

BUSES
Some parishes have arranged bus transportation for their community to attend this historic event as a group.

Arranging a bus pilgrimage will:

•  Create enthusiasm for the event and build community among participants
•  Give people with transportation challenges the ability to participate
• Give the participants a chance to deepen their understanding of the universal

  Thank you to the following parishes that have arranged bus transportation for their community! We look forward to welcoming you to the Family Faith Fest

• Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Mission, Largo
•  Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park
•  St. Anne Parish, Ruskin
•  St. Anthony the Abbot Parish, Brooksville
•  St. Catherine of Siena, Clearwater
•  St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill
•  St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg
• St. Joseph, Zephyrhills
• St. Stephen Parish, Riverview

If your parish is bringing a bus and is not listed here, please contact tlp@dosp.org.

Help the Hungry and Homeless

Jesus said that whenever we help someone in need we are helping Him! As Christians, we stand with our brothers and sisters who are hungry, homeless and hurting and walk with them so they know they are not alone.

That’s why we are asking everyone who takes part in the Family Faith Fest to bring a food donation that will make a difference in someone’s life who is served by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Catholic Charities serves over 100,000 meals each year. We are only able to feed our many homeless or low-income clients through the kindness of generous people like you. Your gift of non-perishable items or canned goods will not only eliminate hunger for those in need but will also bring them hope in their time of need. Your donation of food will go to assist people being housed and helped by the following Catholic Charities ministries:

• Pinellas Hope – adult homeless shelter in Clearwater (Pinellas County)
• Mercy House, a home for HIV/AIDS positive mothers and their children located in Tampa (Hillsborough County)
• Pasco Women’s Shelter in Hudson and Bethany Family Apartments in Dade City (Pasco County)
• Citrus County Outreach Center Soup Kitchen in Homosassa (Citrus County)

Please bring any combination of the food items listed below:

• canned vegetables, fruits and soup
• boxed & bagged [dried] pasta and rice
• peanut butter and jelly
• instant coffee and breakfasts (oatmeal)
• breakfast cereal
• cookies and crackers
• dried fruits and nuts
• shelf-stable drinks (like Gatorade)

Here is the Family Faith Fest planning committee – at your service!

John Morris
Station Manager, Spirit FM 90.5

Meegan Wright
Executive Director, Stewardship and Development, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Diane Kledzik
Associate Director for Evangelization, Small Christian Communities and Adult Faith Formation

Chris Pastura
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Teresa Peterson
Executive Director of Communications, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Danielle Wright Landry
Spirit FM 90.5

Father Gary Dowsey
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin

Father Brad Reed
Associate Pastor, Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor

Deacon Jim Grevenites
St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg and Assistant Director, Office of the Diaconate, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Douglas J. Reatini
Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Sylvia Sanchez
Associate Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Jan Weldon
The Link Events

Tara Liaschenko
The Link Events

Is there a cost?
The Family Faith Fest will be completely FREE!

While are welcome to shop with our food concessions and vendors selling items, there will be no charge for admission to the Family Faith Fest, and all the concerts and activities are free thanks to the generous support of sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and benefactors.

If you would like to support this great community-building event, we would appreciate having you as one of our benefactors. Click here to provide financial support for this special day in our diocesan history.

What kind of food will there be?
There will be vendors at the Fest selling delicious food such as crab cakes, grilled cheese, BBQ chicken, lobster mac n cheese, Greek Salad, arepas (gluten-free), brick oven pizzas, gourmet crepes, spring rolls and of course, funnel cakes!

However, you are welcome to bring your own picnic supplies and food. The choice is yours!

Will there be handicapped parking?
Yes

What is the parking situation?

Click here for directions to the Florida State Fairgrounds. There will be free parking! Enter parking lot through Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Once you enter the Fairgrounds there will be Parking Attendants and signage to direct you to Gate three.

Who can attend?
All people are welcome! This is an opportunity to gather together as one community and share our love for God and for each other. Everyone is welcome!

How should I dress?
The FEST is an outdoor event. Dress for the weather. Remember, if you arrive in the afternoon, it frequently becomes cooler in the evening. Feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

What should I bring?
Excitement, laughter & friendly attitude!
Sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses
Blanket and/or chairs to picnic
Picnic lunch or snacks and drinks, or money for the Village Eatery concession area
Handheld umbrellas or shade tents under 4 feet tall (can be used in all areas except audience zones at each stage)
Comfortable walking shoes

What should I *not* bring?
Large items you need assistance carrying
Alcohol
Tents

How will security be managed at the Family Faith Fest?

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is dedicated to providing a safe and family-friendly environment at the Family Faith Fest and has arranged for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel services to be present on site.

We are partnering with a private security firm to monitor the activity of guests throughout the venue. Of course, it’s always good to remind attendees that they are expected to follow all laws and personal safety practices and to supervise children at all times. No alcohol is permitted at this event.

In case of a medical emergency, what type of medical assistance will be available at the Family Faith Fest?
There will be a First Aid tent available at the Family Faith Fest that will be staffed by EMS professionals who are trained in providing urgent medical treatment and are able to provide transportation to the nearest medical facility.

How will weather impact the Family Faith Fest?

The festival will take place rain or shine, excluding life-threatening weather and flooding rains. Please keep up-to-date on local weather reports to prepare accordingly. Also, by registering for tickets, we can alert you via email or text should weather impact the event. https://familyfaithfest.org/tickets/

How can I help?
First of all, by attending and bringing as many people with you as possible! You can also help through your prayers, financial support, and volunteering. Also, please spread the word to others about this faith and family-friendly event in our community.

Will there be bus parking?
Bus parking is available. Signs will direct you to the location when you arrive.

Can I bring bicycles, electric scooters, and skateboards to the festival?
The Fest does not allow skateboards or scooters on the Festival site. No personal motorized transport is allowed unless it is a wheelchair.

Why is this event on Oct. 27?
The Diocese of St. Peterburg has a patron saint that watches over us in a special way. St. Jude is our patron and his feast day is Oct. 28. In order to honor this saint and the role he has in guiding the lost to find hope in Jesus, our Family Faith Fest is on the weekend of his feast day!