Pressed firmly into their seats, three friends felt the carnival ride begin to rise. A few seconds later they hung suspended over a field during the opening night of the St Rose Parish Carnival on Tuesday, June 24. Then, as the Rip Cord ride released, the girls fell straight back toward the ground, screaming and laughing as they stopped short of the platform.

Rushing into the crowds on the church lawn in search of another thrill, Courtney Cohane, Ashley Marron, and Gianna Terracino all looked back at the ride they were on.

“I screamed,” said Ashley.

“We all heard you,” said her friend Gianna.

All across the grounds were other spinning, swinging, noisy amusements with their lights and bells, and lines of carnivalgoers waiting to get on. The carnival includes amusement rides (ride bracelets available), spin art and face painting, live entertainment, food for purchase, and takes place nightly until June 28. The carnival is being run by Stewart Amusement.

The carnival is open from 6 to 10:30 pm each night, at 46 Church Hill Road.

Proceeds benefit parish needs; for information, call 203-426-1014.