The annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish festival has been a steadfast tradition in Pickerington for over 25 years.

The three-day festival, which runs from Friday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 9, serves as a vehicle in which to help the parish raise money as well as promote community fellowship, organizers said.

This year's event is filled with myriad activities including music,games, food and a flea market. The festival will held in the recently completed storage facility behind the Parish Activity Center.

Festival Chairman Jim Kronk said those attending can expect a few changes this year.

"The biggest thing this year is that we made some investments in the church so we were able to bring back the flea market, which was a staple for many years," he said, adding construction of the storage facility, or "pole barn" in May has allowed the parish to free up space so the flea market can be held.

Kronk said Columbus-area musician-singer Tim O'Connor will play acoustic folk, Celtic and classic pop music as the festival headliner Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m.

"He does a lot of parish festivals throughout central Ohio," Kronk said.

"We try to make the entertainment offerings somewhat local (and) that appeals to a cross-section of both the young and old," he said.

Kronk said the "Seton's Got Talent" show, which will bring back winners from previous years to compete, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Kronk said the other significant change is "the food offerings have been expanded to include items we haven't had in the past."

"Now it's more kid-friendly with things like chicken fingers."

He said that traditional fare such as cabbage rolls and pulled-pork sandwiches will also be on the menu.

Kronk said children's rides will be in operation all three days and $15 wristbands will be sold to allow for "for all-day riding."

Kronk said other highlights include a "Bid-n-Buy," in which local businesses donate products and services for a silent auction, and a raffle for "Baskets of Cheer," which are gift baskets comprised of bottles of various spirits, in addition to the traditional games of bingo and Monte Carlo.

Kronk said proceeds from this year's festival will help fund capital improvements to the physical plant of the 8,500-member parish.

"The church itself has gotten to the point where it needs some renovations for pews, carpeting and painting," Kronk said.

"Father Jim (Klima) will put the proceeds towards a renovation project that will hopefully start in 2013."

Kronk said the festival has never had a shortage of willing volunteers to make the "community event" run smoothly.

"When you add up the volunteers, it hundreds of people who donate thousands of hours to make it a success."

The Seton Parish "Fall Festival" will be held on parish grounds at 600 Hill Road North in Pickerington. Hours for the event are from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7 ; 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9.