By Laura Mazur
Community Post
It's time for the Maria Stein Country Fest.
The 21st annual festival will take place this weekend, June 27 through 29, on the grounds of the Shrine of the Holy Relics.

“I think people are looking forward to the food, the entertainment, seeing people and just having fun,” said Country Fest Chair Linda Koenig.
Food will be available starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, which will include turtle soup, fried chicken, brats,  mets, sausage and cabbage roll dinners, pizza, loaded fries and much more to tickle taste buds.
With free admission, parking and entertainment for the Country Fest, there's no reason not to come out for some attraction during the weekend.
Musical guests for the weekend include Free Rider, No Bull, the Walt Schmitmeyer Band, Free Lance and Borrowed Time.
Some tried and true attractions that have become favorites include Belgium horses and wagon rides, bingo, a petting zoo, chainsaw woodcarving, a craft show, sand sculpting and last, but certainly not least, tractor square dancing, where riders whip around a muddy stage in such dancing format to delight audiences of all ages to themed costumes and music. Past themes have included costumes and clowning in the forms of Wizard of Oz and Grease, to set such a stage.
New attractions at this year's affair will be the Flying Wallendas, a family of acrobats and the like; the Amazing Budabi Brothers, who juggle fire; the Strolling Bourbon Street Strutters and Gem City Jumpers.
There will be something for all ages this weekend in Maria Stein. For those who enjoy sports, come out and participate or watch the volleyball tournament; the bean bag tournament; the Red Cross go-kart race; the lift-a-thon; the adult big wheel race; the Mercer Health 5K Run/Walk, Challenger League Baseball or the three-on-three basketball.
For kids, there is the mini-Indy race; the punt, pass and kick contest; the sidewalk chalk drawing contest and the diaper derby.
For more information on this weekend's events, log onto www.mscountryfest.com.