Corpus Christi Carnival Returns Saturday

Corpus Christi's annual carnival has arrived once again, and will be open to the public Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

The carnival has been canceled Friday due to weather.

Msgr. James T. Mahoney said this year's carnival offers something to the old, young and in-between. "The carnival features rides, games, and a food court that appeals to people of all ages. The eleven rides range from rides primarily for youth, all the way down to rides for young children. Everyone enjoys them – even parents!" Mahoney said.

A key component to any carnival is the games offered. This year the Corpus Christi Carnival offers wheels, throwing and shooting contests and darts, among others. There is an hourly 50/50 and a super 50/50 with a prize that has reached $11,000 on only the first day of the carnival.

And of course, what carnival is complete without food? Mahoney said the carnival will offer French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and hot peppers. "Some of our senior citizens like to visit the carnival just for the food court," Mahoney said. "They can watch the children on the rides. Everyone has a great time."

Four hundred of Corpus Christi's 6,500 parishioners staff the carnival, working two-hour shifts at the ticket booths, hosting the games and operating the food cort.

Most importantly, Mahoney said, "The Carnival is clean. The Carnival is safe. The Carnival is fun," and open to the entire family.

The Corpus Christi Carnival usually nets a profit of between $20,000 and $30,000, Mahoney said. This year the profits will go to pay for repairs to the church building, a new second floor addition and ongoing capital improvements to the church.

The carnival is free to enter, and runs on tickets once in. There is an ATM available inside. The carnival will be open rain or shine, but if there should be a major downpour or lightning the rides will not run.

Since its inception in 1996, the carnival has been dedicated with providing entertainment to the members of the parish, including residents in the Chatham and Madison area.

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