For many, it is as much a part of Memorial Day weekend as the parade and family cookouts.

The 25th annual Ironton Catholic Community Charity Fair for the Ironton Catholic Schools will begin Friday and continue through 1 p.m. Monday.

Ironton Catholic Schools Development Director Sissy Clyse said it would be difficult to determine how many people attend the fair each year but estimated it is probably several thousand. The fair is one of the key fundraisers for the parochial system.

“Without Charity Fair being successful, it would be hard for us to meet our budget,” Clyse said.

The activities begin with dinner Friday night from 5-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus at Third and Kemp streets.

One change this year: Instead of having an alumni night Friday night, Alumni Day will be all day Sunday.

On Saturday, the fair shifts location to the St. Joseph church and school grounds. Saturday’s events begin at 11 a.m. when the fair opens.

The Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department will have its safety trailer on display from 1-5 p.m.

The group Kelly and Ken will perform at 7 p.m. Kelly and Ken were the runner-up act in the WTCR Colgate Country Showdown.

The duo has been featured at local festivals and the Rising Star Café.

On Sunday, activities begin with a 10 a.m. breakfast. The menu includes biscuits and gravy and homemade rolls. Games and rides begin at 1 p.m.

The annual spaghetti dinner will be 2 to 6 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church undercroft. The Hank Haller Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. City Heat will perform at 7 p.m.

On Monday, Memorial Day, the annual bake sale will begin at 9 a.m. The food booths will be open then as well.

The raffle drawing will be at 1 p.m. after the parade. Prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 will go to the top three winners. Another 10 winners will receive $100.

There will be games and inflatables as well food, including Bahama Mamas, Italian sausage, hot dogs, nachos, funnel cakes and pizza.

Again this year the Catholic Women’s Club will sell baked goods, potted plants, jewelry, garden items and other items under the big tent.