CPS, Shrine club fundraisers on tap

SAINT AUGUSTINE – Check out great food and entertainment this weekend, as two organizations host annual fundraisers.

Feb. 22-24 the Cathedral Parish Festival takes center stage on the grounds of the Mission of Nombre de Dios, San Marco Avenue. Highlights include spectacular fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday; the annual silent auction Sunday; and three days of special fun.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Feb. 22, with rides closing at 10:30 p.m. Feb. 23 hours are from noon to 10:30 p.m. and Feb. 24 from noon to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 11 to 17 and adults 65 and over $3; with children 10 and under and active duty military admitted free.

Parking around the festival grounds is limited. The City of St. Augustine has paid lots designated with a “P” on the map and handicap parking is also available in designated locations.

The food for the celebration offers a little bit of everything from pizza and barbecue chicken dinners to ice cream and local candies. Shrimp dinners will be available from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday – or until they are sold out. Advance tickets are $8; on-site, $10. Dinners include jumbo fried shrimp, hush puppies, beans and coleslaw.

Proceeds benefit Cathedral Parish School.

CHOWDER CHALLENGE

The St. Augustine Shrine Club hosts its annual Chowder Challenge for Children from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, on the grounds of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.

There is no admission but parking fee is $5.

Area restaurants compete for the honor of serving the best chowder in the categories of New England, Seafood, Minorcan Conch and Minorcan Clam. More than 20 restaurants are expected to participate. Judges select the winners, and patrons of the event are invited to cast votes for the People’s Choice award.