As summer came to an end, Gianna Fest brought families together Sept. 18-20 for one of the season’s last carnivals, offering a chance to reconnect during a difficult time for the local Catholic community.
“I love that the carnival brings the entire community together, especially with the hardships happening with Queen of Martyrs closing,” said Caitlin Eisinas, of Mt. Greenwood.
Chicago Catholic Schools announced June 15 that Queen of Martyrs School would permanently close after decades of serving families in Mount Greenwood and Evergreen Park. Declining enrollment and financial challenges made it impossible to sustain the school’s operations, officials said.
The school had educated generations of children since the 1950s. Although Queen of Martyrs and St. Bernadette parishes merged in 2024 to form St. Gianna Parish, the school continued operating under the Queen of Martyrs name.
Its closure marked the end of a longtime neighborhood institution, affecting families, alumni and parishioners with deep ties to the school.
Gianna Fest featured carnival rides, food, a beer garden and live music, including performances by Hoodwink’d and South Side City Revival. Families could purchase Mega Passes for unlimited rides throughout the weekend or daily wristbands for Saturday or Sunday.
