St. Mary of the Lakes Parish in Medford will hold the annual spring carnival and music fest at its school beginning May 16, a fundraising event that began in 2018 but was put on hold for two years due to COVID.
The original idea came from Rev. Daniel Swift, who arrived at the parish from St. Joan of Arc’s Parish.
“We were looking for some alternative ways to raise money for the school,” said carnival chair Maria King. “He was all on board for doing the carnival.”
“We’ve gotten rave reviews for the first two carnivals we did, and this time we plan to do it even bigger and better than ever,” she added of the free event. “So people who have come in the past should look forward to what we have to offer and people who have never been definitely check it out.”
The carnival is run by an all-volunteer team from the parish who dedicate their time to the six-day event, alternating between working the stands and operating rides. Preparation starts in September every year, and the planners annually evaluate how to make the carnival better than the year before.
Williamstown’s Skelly Amusements will operate rides that include a ferris wheel and a giant Gravity Gravitron. Food such as pulled pork, sausage and peppers and traditional carnival items like funnel cake will be available for sale, along with cotton candy and candy apples.
A beer and wine bar will be available, with seltzers, wines and beers available for purchase. Musical entertainment will include an open mic night hosted by Warren Mazzochette on May 16, Deez 2 Guyz on May 17, Don’t Call Me Francis on May 18, The Deck Band on May 19, Bob Pantano’s dance party May 20 and Purple Reign on May 21.
The carnival and music fest runs through May 21; hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m. While the event is free, MEGApass tickets for rides can be purchased while supplies last at Murphy’s Market Medford, an event sponsor.
For more information, visit smlparish.org
