D’Hanis doubles up; Holy Cross Homecoming is 2 days

For the first time in 179 years, the Holy Cross Annual Homecoming Celebration in D’Hanis will run both Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s traditional celebration remains intact, with its famous barbecue plate lunch, tamales, games and prize drawing. 

But for those who just can’t wait, after the 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church on Saturday there will be a Biergarten, burger sale and live music, plus an outdoor movie for kids on the Parish Hall grounds.

Admission is free on both days, and everyone is invited.

Rev. Lajarus Soreng, recently promoted to Holy Cross administrator, welcomes all D’Hanis residents, out-of-town relatives and friends.

“As Psalm 133 says, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” said Father Lajerus. “Our celebration is a day when familiar faces meet again, old friendships are renewed and, above all, we are gathered around Holy Cross Parish.”

This year’s festival’s top prize is $5,000, with a long list of other prizes to be won.

On Sunday, all the traditional activities will be there -- the biergarten, kids’ games, water slide/jumping castle and live music, plus stands selling crafts, homemade cakes and plants. 

There will also be a Silent Auction on Sunday.

Barbecue plates with beef brisket, potato salad, beans, coleslaw and trimmings, go on sale Sunday for $15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tamales will sell from 11 a.m. until sold-out, and barbecue sandwiches will be sold later in the afternoon. 

Seating is available inside the air-conditioned St. Dominic’s Hall, on the pecan-shaded grounds, or meals can be sold to-go.