Despite A Summer Swelter ––

St Rose Carnival Draws Large Crowds

There is nothing quite like a local carnival and it takes a lot more than a little hot weather to keep the crowds away from the St Rose Carnival. Last weekend’s event is being called a big success with large turnouts all five nights.

The annual event has long been a rite of summer here in Newtown and the fried dough tastes just as good today as it did during the 1970s when the carnival first came to Church Hill Road.

Friday was by far the best night as temperatures cooled off and people came by the hundreds. Wednesday and Thursday nights were especially hot, but people still came in great numbers.

“We usually figure on about 1,000 people per night,” noted Susan LoPiccolo, who co-chairs the fair with her husband Frank. “After all the planning, the five days of the carnival are the best.”

Among the highlights this year was the Italian Night and Barbecue Night food themes, bingo, Italian pastries from Luigi’s, the Hook and Ladder fire engine, raffles, food, and candy.

Music was provided by Mary Beth Sippin, Tony Coletti’s Band, keyboardist John Stottle of the Knights of Columbus, and Jay D The DJ.