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St Rose Annual Carnival A Hit Despite Changing Weather

Published: Jun 29, 2025 8:00 am

The St Rose Carnival drew thousands of people once again despite stormy weather forecasted throughout the week, and even light rain its first two nights.

“We distributed hundreds of rosaries to parishioners who prayed for good weather,” says Father Peter Cipriani, pastor of the Church Hill Road parish. “And it worked. People came from all over.”

Presented June 17-21, the carnival this year introduced a beer garden for the first time, which drew a crowd of guests as well as parishioners and parents, and served over 700 beers throughout the week.

The Knights of Columbus sold about 1600 fried doughs, a perennial favorite among the crowds.

The carnival also sold more than 3,500 all-night ride bracelets and more than 16,000 individual ride tickets.

There were also more than 80 sponsors this year. As the parish’s biggest annual fundraiser, the carnival supports the many outreach ministries and ongoing operations of the Church and grounds.

“This carnival is about spreading and sharing joy,” says Fr Cipriani. “I just love the sights and sounds of the kids’ excitement as they race to the rides.”

The setting sun and some dark clouds frame The Expo Wheel, one of the rides from Stewart Amusements that provided hours of entertainment for attendees of the 2025 St Rose Parish Carnival. Presented in the playing fields of the Church Hill Road community of faith, the carnival ran June 17-21 and was undeterred by light rain and some very hot weather. Crowds enjoyed rides, games of chance, plenty of fried dough, and other traditional offerings during the longstanding fundraiser. —Bee Photo, Glass

Violet Bruni, 8, was all smiles after winning a stuffed dog that she named Cuddles at the Water Gun Blaster game on June 20 during the St Rose Parish Carnival. Despite two nights of rain during the June 17-21 presentation of the annual event, attendance was reportedly excellent. —Bee Photos, Glass

Father Peter Cipriani, who has been pastor of St Rose of Lima Parish since February 1, 2024, welcomed guests to the annual Saint Rose Church Carnival during its June 17-21 presentation. —Bee Photos, Glass

Members of the Phillips family — from left, Harlow, 6; dad Kenyon; and Soren, 7 — made sure to make a stop at the Fried Dough tent which is always a favorite at the annual St Rose Parish Carnival. —Bee Photos, Glass

Frank Sequenzia, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council 185, braved the cold water of the dunking tank on June 20. —Bee Photos, Glass

Monsignor Robert (“Father Bob”) Weiss, center, retired pastor of St Rose of Lima Church, was visited by many friends while enjoying the festivities at the Saint Rose Parish Carnival on June 20. —Bee Photos, Glass

First Selectman Jeff Capeci spent time working the Fried Dough tent. —Bee Photos, Glass

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The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

Assembly Ordinance?

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

David, your passion for transparency would carry more weight if it weren’t routinely wielded like a cudgel. Let's set the record straight: no one is against easier access to documents or better online availability—we all want an informed public. But there's a difference between constructive advocacy and the kind of grandstanding that costs this town time, morale, and taxpayer money. You cite Ridgefield’s practices—great. Let's talk about that like adults. But instead, what we see is a steady stream of accusatory posts, legal challenges, and FOIA blitzes aimed less at solving problems and more at creating headlines. It’s not “slander” to point out that your approach often does more to divide and exhaust than to help. I’ve been at the very meetings you claim are inaccessible or opaque. I’ve seen your group turn logistical hiccups into conspiracy theories. I’ve watched as staff—who already work overtime—are dragged into another fishing expedition while real civic needs are left hanging. You’re not just pushing for access; you’re using the tools of open government to grind its gears to a halt. That’s not progress. That’s obstruction dressed up as advocacy. And the people paying for it—literally—are your neighbors. Let’s stop pretending it’s just about uploading PDFs. The issue here is how we engage. We can have real conversations about modernization without constant accusations, FOIA skirmishes, and Facebook pile-ons. Until then, I’ll continue to call out tactics that undermine, not uplift, our town.

Calls For Policies To Create Greater Transparency

The bottom line is this: costs are up, and no group—including teachers—is exempt. Ignoring Anthem’s recommended 22% increase last year may have directly caused the $2 million shortfall. Everyone has to share in the fix. That might mean higher premiums and leaner benefits. Complaints alone won’t solve the problem—realistic solutions will. I urge all Newtown Teachers to email their Union leaders and express their support for higher premiums.

Discusses Town Self-Funded Insurance Plan

Its really easy to make assertions and cast doubts from behind a keyboard....a little too easy aparently. You might try conducting the actual research BEFORE doing it next time. If you do, you too will find that there's no need to imagine such a policy to improve public transparency and participation. Take a look at Ridgefield's P&Z meeting agendas on their website for starters. They are just one town that provide links to electronic copies of applications and other public documents, so that their commissioners and residents can easily access them and be well-informed, before meetings and public hearings occur and without making them drive to town hall (during business hours) to ask their land use staff to pull the files and make copies of them, saving everyone time (time is money), and gasoline, and missed work. Most applicants alrleady submit electronic copies, and for those who don't, it's a lot easier for a staffer to scan them once, than to have to make copies every time someone asks for them. And please don't misrepresent or slander those who advocate for smart, low impact & sustainable development policies and practices as 'anti-development'.

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St Rose Annual Carnival A Hit Despite Changing Weather

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