St. Mary’s Cathedral Block Party Returns Saturday In Downtown St. Cloud

(KNSI) – St. Mary’s Cathedral throws open its south parking lot Saturday, September 12th, for the annual block party in downtown St. Cloud, a free, all-ages night of live music, food and games.

Cathedral Rector Father Scott Pogatchnik told KNSI News the party always lands on the first Saturday after Labor Day, just days after the September 7th feast day of St. Cloud, the city’s namesake. “It’s safe. It’s family friendly. It’s a great chance to meet your neighbors as we continue living in a world, right, that often can be fractured and kind of tense. This is a wonderful evening to express our unity and our community.”

Mass starts at 4:00 p.m. inside the cathedral. Music and activities run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Honky Tonk Heartthrob plays the first slot, from 5:00 to 7:00, followed by Stone Road from 7:00 to 10:00.

While admission is free, the money spent on the lot stays with the cathedral. Proceeds go toward campus upkeep, including rooftop work and other capital repairs. Last year’s fundraising paid for new doors, which Pogatchnik says will be installed this fall.

Beyond food and drink sales, the parish raises money through a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and sponsorships from area businesses.

One auction item comes with the rector attached: a six-person Italian dinner he cooks himself at the cathedral. “I did live in Rome for four years, so I learned a few skills and tricks when I was over there.”

The lot will also have a bouncy house and treats for kids, bingo and beer tents, and on-site security.

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