St. James Lutheran Church is located off of I-70, west of Columbus, near the corner of Hilliard-Rome and Trabue roads. Free parking will be available on-site. Get directions here!

St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Road, will host their annual Brats Festival Aug. 3-5 featuring authentic German food and continuous live music throughout the event.

This year?s festival food will include the traditional German brats handmade according to a recipe by parishioner Gene Planck, shredded chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, German potato salad, summer salad (tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a vinaigrette dressing), red cabbage slaw, locally grown sweet corn, hot dogs, and an assortment of desserts, including the ever-popular apple dumplings. Soft drinks, iced tea, beer and wine will be served as refreshments.

Children?s games, arts and crafts booths, an electric train set, softball and a hot air balloon launch will also be among the weekend of activities.

Anyone wishing to display crafts at the festival should contact the Beth Vallo at 777-6263 or Mike Walls at 777-5065. For more information about the festival, contact Festival Committee Chairman Steve Dodson at 777-7792, or the church office at 878-5158.

Proceeds from the annual Brats & Crafts Festival are used for charitable activities in the Central Ohio area. The church supports and is involved in Habitat for Humanity, the Hilliard Welfare Council, and several other local food pantries and help organizations. Throughout the years, the Brats Festival has raised approximately $236,000 to benefit these organizations.

Festival hours will be Friday, Aug. 3 from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4 from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 5 from noon to 3 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church is located off of I-70, west of Columbus, near the corner of Hilliard-Rome and Trabue roads. Free parking will be available on-site.