Carnival Spins Its Magic Again

By Kendra Bobowick

The sticky aroma of cotton candy clung to the St Rose of Lima parish grounds where this year’s carnival rides’ lights flashed.

Through June 26 at church grounds, 46 Church Hill Road, rides will spin and twirl, and delight guests nightly from  6 to 10:30. Food booths, games, a kiddie booth, and more beckon to fried-dough lovers, children, parents, and teens hoping to win a prize for a friend.

With rides lifting and spinning behind him — riders’ screams and laughter growing stronger, then fading rhythmically — Sean Dardine sat quietly next to an oversized stuffed polar bear. Friends Joe Tether, Emily DeGirolamo and her brother Evan, and Brendan Grant all looked forward to strapping in on the Ali Baba, a “ship” that swung its “sailors” 50 feet in the air, then dropped them back down again.

Waiting in line for a different ride were Matt Mossbarger, Connor Gallagher, Kristie Voswinkel, and Mattie Fletcher. The friends like the atmosphere of the carnival, and come every year.

On a bench amid the push of parents and children taking turns on the different rides was Alie Weis, who enjoyed her bright blue cotton candy. With her children this year was Kathy Ventresca, who held Alicia in one arm, and Melena in the other.

Teens Phill Reynolds, Dean Baye, and Robbie Hughes walked the crowd. Little Amaya Hamilton rode the motorcycle affixed to a spinning platform with a colorful umbrella over her head Wednesday.

Resident Chris Russo laughed as she wondered where her children had scattered. “I am just paying the bills!” she said.

In line for the “scary” ride on the Ali Baba, Iain Baxter said, “It looks like fun.” Also in line was Alyssa Vetrano, who was going only because her niece Riley Shelton insisted.

Struggling to get their inflated aliens safely through the food booths and games were friends Hannah Groonell and Kaley Meisenheimer.

Standing and surveying the rides, Matt Bouton announced the carnival as “Magnificent.”

Leaving the rings and whistles of rides behind and heading away from the activity, one father’s advice regarding the Zero Gravity ride came through: “If you look to the side, you’re fine, but if you look out there …” The attendant started the ride.

 Call 203-426-1014 for more information.