Stewart Amusement Co. trucks in the parking lot behind St. Jude Parish Friday morning had rides yet to be unloaded, including an Elephant Fly, which is popular with young children. But two large food tents had already been erected, standing side-by-side. “Today, refrigerators and equipment for the food tent will be brought down,” said Paul Seperack, chairman of the St. Jude Italian Festival. 

The festival debuts this Wednesday, Aug. 21, and will run through Saturday, Aug. 24. Aside from being the church’s main fundraiser, Seperack said the annual event brings a sense of community to the St. Jude Parish grounds at 707 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe, CT.