Chamber Notebook Article:

Roncalli International

Food Fair

Roncalli Catholic Schools invites the public to tempt their tastebuds and attend the International Food Fair on Saturday, Nov. 5. The event, for adults only, will take place at Roncalli High School, 2000 Mirro Drive in Manitowoc, beginning at 5 p.m. 

Featuring a variety of cuisines, the evening will be a recipe for a good time! The food, including many delicious desserts which will satisfy your sweet tooth, will be prepared by local restaurants and Roncalli Catholic Schools families. Specialty beers and wine will be available for purchase as well, plus we have new surprises in store for you this year, including the additions of Americana and Hmong booths! Brix will be serving up their bacon-wrapped cheese curds in the Americana booth. Check out our “Cooking with Candice” video today on Facebook for more details about them. We also will keep the fun rolling outside as both Holla and Brian’s Smokehouse bring their food trucks to the event. Holla will be serving Hawaiian fare, while Brian’s Smokehouse will feature Southern dishes.

“Whether you enjoy a good home-cooked meal, veg out on cooking shows, consider yourself a foodie, or just like a night on the town with friends and family, the International Food Fair does not disappoint,” said Candice Giesen, director of development and event host. “This is your chance to try a new dish, or savor a serving of one your favorites. With so many choices available, your biggest decision will be what to try next! All portion sizes will allow guests to try a number of items, and maybe take some things home with them, too.”

There is no cost to attend the event. Punch cards will be available for sale at the International Food Fair to make food sampling easy. Cash, check, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted. Save time by pre-registering for the event at: https://roncallicatholicschoolsfoodfair22.com. By pre-registering, you can avoid longer registration lines the night of the event, have your bid number preassigned and receive notifications with the latest event information. If you have registered for a previous Roncalli event through GiveSmart, you can bypass this year’s registration process as you are all set to go! And, be sure to check out https://rems.roncallicatholicschools.org/international-food-fair for more information, including the event book and details regarding each booth’s menus. 

In addition to the fare being offered, the International Food Fair includes an oral auction with packages including experiences, sports memorabilia, and more! You won’t want to miss these items as they’re auctioned off by Greg Schramm who will serve as the event’s auctioneer. John Jagemann will return as the event’s emcee.



For the sports fanatics, the oral auction will present a unique opportunity to add to an enthusiast’s collection. Three packages to take note of are: The Greek Freak, Basketball GOAT, and NCAA Final Four Experience at Brix.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s nationality, in addition to his size, speed and ball-handling skills have earned him the nickname “Greek Freak.” He was named the NBA finals’ most valuable player after scoring 50 points in Game 6, where the Bucks became the 2020-21 NBA Champions. Bid high and often for this autographed Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo authentic Spalding indoor/outdoor basketball with 2021 NBA Champions logo mirrored display case. Certificate of authenticity included. This basketball was donated by Michael and Maria Hillmer, Steve and Carrie Hyde, and Nick and Julie Reimer.

Speaking of basketball, Michael Jordan can easily be referred to as the basketball GOAT as he has earned his position as the greatest basketball player of all-time. The 2009 hall of famer led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles, being named NBA Finals’ MVP each time. This beautifully framed, signed jersey is a must-have for any sports fan. Certificate of authenticity included. This jersey was donated by John and Mo Stelzer.

And, if you love basketball, you’ll also enjoy a private Final Four party for 20 of your closest friends on April 1, 2023 in the upstairs space of BRIX in downtown Manitowoc. While you’re watching the games on one of the four 65-inch TVs, you will feast on three rounds of BRIX’s in-house made items off of the catering menu and a full bar featuring top-shelf whiskeys and bourbons (cash bar). This package includes one-hour open bar (rails, soda and taps), appetizers, buffet and a late-night snack. This unique party experience is donated by Peter and Ashley Allie, Alex and Elizabeth Allie, and BRIX.

If you’re looking for another way to participate in the International Food Fair, tickets for the Ticket to Cash raffle are available for purchase now. Don’t wait to buy your tickets as only 500 tickets will be sold for your chance to win a grand prize of $7,500 cash. Tickets are just $100 each.

An array of themed collections will be up for bid in the Gift Collections raffle, too. And, for those looking to decorate their homes for the holidays and beyond, there will be plenty to pick from in the Tabletops, Trees, Wreaths and More! area. Of course, those with an affinity for Roncalli will want to make sure to stop at the Roncalli HeART Originals. This special section features original artwork up for bid created by Roncalli students age pre-school through 8th-grade.

The schedule for the evening is as follows:

5 p.m.            Doors open

7 p.m.            Oral Auction

8 p.m.            Ticket to Cash raffle drawing and Wheelbarrow of Booze

                      raffle drawing

8:30 p.m.       Gift Collections sales end

8:45 p.m.       Gift Collections closes

9 p.m.            Gift Collections winners announced

9:20 p.m.       Tabletops, Trees, Wreaths & More! closes

9:30 p.m.       Roncalli HeART Originals closes

All times are approximate depending on the ending of the Oral Auction. 

Continue to follow the “Roncalli Elementary School and Roncalli Middle School” Facebook page and online at: https://rems.roncallicatholicschools.org/international-food-fair for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!