The 2023 St Rose Carnival lit up the neighborhood around the Church Hill Road parish once again June 20 as congregants, volunteers, and ride operators welcomed families, friends, and mostly younger thrill seekers who whizzed down the giant slide, took their turns at games of chance or the popular dunk tank, and spun or bounced themselves silly on a slew of rides.

The event, among the biggest community carnivals in the area, is the biggest annual fundraiser for the church, and typically welcomes thousands who come out to play, socialize, and eat — whether it is a full meal, fried dough, cotton candy, or other midway offering. Friday night, June 23 will feature barbecue specialties, and the event also presents live music.

The carnival typically taps the support of 75 to 100 volunteers who turn out before the gates open nightly, and who may remain on-site after closing to get things cleaned up for the next day’s activities.

Rides and games are open 6-10:30 pm nightly through June 24, with food served until 9 and fried dough until it’s all sold out. Admission is free and parking is available on-site.