Locals from Marlton and neighboring towns are invited to roam the church grounds every night starting at 6 p.m. for food, fun, rides, prizes and more.
Bright lights and bright faces are set to return to the grounds of the of St. Joan of Arc Parish in less than two weeks with the annual St. Joan of Arc Parish Carnival.
Starting Monday Aug. 21 and lasting through Saturday, Aug. 26, locals from Marlton and its neighboring towns are invited to roam the church grounds every night starting at 6 p.m. for food, fun, rides, prizes and more.
Although the event originally started as a church picnic, it eventually transformed into a weeklong carnival that for more than 40 years has provided locals with a fun way to spend time together as a community while also supporting the church.
Cheryl Wilkins, co-chair of this year’s event with JoAnn Aucello, described the event as the perfect end of summer get-together.
“It’s funny how everyone seems to know about the carnival and everybody comes from Marlton and the surrounding towns, so it’s always exciting for us to see that,” Wilkins said.
In addition to nightly entertainment from bands and other performers, the event will once again feature its well-known “super” 50/50 raffle. Last year’s winner took home more than $26,000.
The event will also feature additional hourly raffles, including a raffle for the chance to win a 12.9” iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard valued at $1,167.
The carnival will also present attendees with a variety of food choices, from Italian, to seafood to snacks, fries, funnel cakes, a beer garden and more.
As in years past, all proceeds from the carnival will benefit St. Joan of Arc Parish School.
“It is the biggest fundraiser, so it’s incredibly important for the school,” Wilkins said.
Once again this year, excited locals who just can’t wait for the event can pre-purchase their all-access ride bracelets to be used on any night of the carnival.
Attendees who purchase the bracelets in advance can do so in several locations for a reduced price of $20 per bracelet.
Bracelets are available at Shoprite of Marlton at 307 W. Route 70, in the church vestibule after all weekend masses, or at the rectory from Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 2 to 5 p.m.
Bracelets can also be purchased on any night of the carnival for the regular price of $35 per bracelet.
As always, church officials are also still accepting the help of anyone wishing to volunteer for the event.
Whether it’s Cub Scouts, soccer teams or just interested locals, Wilkins said more than 400 volunteers are needed to make the carnival successful year after year.
Volunteers can help inside the kitchen or snack stands, run games, direct packing, sell 50/50 tickets or even help with construction, takedown and electrical work.
Those who wish to volunteer for this year’s event can reach out to organizers at carnival@stjoans.org or visit www.stjoans.org/carnival.
“It’s a win-win for the entire community,” Wilkins said. “You’re doing something good and you’re having fun doing it.”
For more information about the annual St. Joan of Arc Parish Carnival, call (856) 983–0077.
