Thousands Celebrate in St. John for Parish’s 138th Annual July 4th Picnic

Thousands of folks descended on St. John the Baptist Catholic Church south of Schulenburg on Saturday for the 138th year celebration of the parish’s July 4th Picnic. Opening ceremonies kicked off at 10 a.m. with a veterans tribute and speech by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Geesaman. Geesaman served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot. He later went on to serve as a commercial airline pilot, Flatonia City Council member and Flatonia Mayor. This year he won the Republican nomination for the District 85 in the Texas State House.

After the speech, Msgr. John Peters delivered a prayer of thanksgiving before the meal. Msgr. Peters is the retired pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville along with its mission churches, including St. John. Then everyone got in line for a plate of St. John’s famous fried chicken and stew.

Festivities continued throughout the day with a live auction, bingo, and lots of games for the kids. Live music was provided throughout the day by the Dujka Brothers, Red Ravens, Mark Halata and Texavia and The Fender Bender Band. A fireworks show took place at 9:30 p.m. followed by more dancing under the pavilion.

– Andy Behlen