By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CRESTVIEW HILLS - As part of the Diocese of Covington's yearlong observance of its 150th anniversary, the public is invited to an old-fashioned church picnic Sept. 7.

SesquiFest runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Thomas More College in Crestview Hills. Local parishes will bring desserts, and entertainment will include a clown, life-size puppets and choral presentations from Catholic schools.

Covington Bishop Roger Foys will end the day by celebrating Mass at 6:15 p.m. in the school's Connor Convocation Center.

Benches decorated by elementary schools in the diocese will be scattered throughout the college grounds, and Summit Hills Country Club has donated a couple of golf carts to shuttle anyone who has to park far from the festivities.

"You don't have to be Catholic to attend this," said Betty Mallery, coordinator of the sesquicentennial celebration. "This is designed to be a good old-fashioned church picnic where everybody gets together and just has fun."

The Diocese of Covington represents 89,000 Catholics in 14 counties, from Carroll County on the west to Lewis County on the east.

Activities include free bingo with prizes such as CDs, bath and body products, videos, books and gift items. The Cincinnati Zoo will bring in wildlife. There will be a portrait artist, a crafter who makes cornhusk dolls, Kentucky Speedway driver Willie Green, a juggler, Irish and Hispanic dancers, and local choirs and bands.

Organizations with booths will include St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Social Services and the Diocesan Catholic Children's Home. Participants can pack their lunch or purchase food and nonalcoholic drinks, organizers said.

Upcoming events include a special Mass Oct. 5 in the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a Kentucky Heritage tour Oct. 14 and 15 and tours of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and Mother of God Church Oct. 17.

If you go

What: SesquiFest "old-fashioned church picnic'' marking the Diocese of Covington's 150th anniversary

When: Sept. 7. Picnic is 2-6 p.m. Bishop Roger Foys will celebrate Mass at 6:15 p.m. at Thomas More College's Connor Convocation Center.

Where: Picnic is on the grounds of Thomas More College, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills.

Cost: Free admission but guests are invited to bring a nonperishable food item for Be Concerned and Parish Kitchen social service agencies.

Information: (859) 283-6296.

E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com