NWNchoirrasfest15The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude’s annual fundraiser, Raspberry Festival, was a robust day of shared summer celebration. Scores of friends joined the sisters, volunteers, and employees in a day of activities that included an arts and crafts fair, quilt show, fun run and walk, kids’ carnival, car show, live music, raspberry shortcake and lemonade, grilled hamburgers, and more.

The day began at 8:00 am with the Raspberry Festival Fun Run & Walk. Runners and walkers turned out from across the Camas Prairie and as far away as Maryland, California, and Colorado. Highlights included Jenny Arnzen’s 27:52 minute, first place, all-around finish of the 5K run; Bryan Crowl’s 37:05 minute, first place, all-around finish of the 10K run; and the amazing youth participation. Also participating in the event were Sister Janet Barnard and family members.

The Raspberry Festival Quilt Show featured the Quilts of Valor, quilts created to honor local veterans. Shirley Baerlocher received the Judges’ Choice for her Quilt of Valor. A table runner by Donna Giroth and Carolyn Waits also received Judges’ Choice and a quilt by Mary Flurry received both Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice.

Music filled the air with live performances by the Northwest Nazarene Choir and Dave McCray from Spokane. DJ Bruce Nuxoll, Sister Mary Geis’ nephew, also provided vibrant music for festival-goers.

Sister Carlotta Maria Fontes once again led the kids’ carnival with many games that featured prizes and tests of skill. Sister Cynthia Schultz, a registered nurse, oversaw health and safety. Other sisters served up raspberry lemonade, welcomed guests, sold raffle tickets, and led chapel tours.

More Photos of Raspberry Festival 2015:  https://www.facebook.com/StGertrudes/photos_stream