Volunteers at St. Joseph School are busy putting together the fish pond, setting up the stage and making way for the 16th-annual Charity Fair.

St. Joseph Development Director and event chairperson Sissy Clyse said the yearly event raises money for the city’s Catholic schools. Last year’s Charity Fair raised more than $30,000. The money is used for operating costs at the school.

On Friday night, the Knights of Columbus will sponsor Monte Carlo Night at the Knights of Columbus Hall on South Third Street.

&uot;It’s just to visit, mostly,&uot; Clyse said, noting that there will be food, music by Dan Jones, and games.

There will be two raffles this year --a red 1996 Grand Prix will be given away and there will also be a &uot;Big Raffle&uot; with a $5,000 first prize and numerous smaller prizes as well.

Throughout the weekend, Clyse said fair-goers can enjoy games, music, food and craft booths. Clyse said the Charity Fair is a kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend.

&uot;A lot of people from out of town come home for Memorial Day, so this is really a family event,&uot; she said.

The event begins Friday and runs through Monday. Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune