St. Rose carnival begins July 6

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers HIGH FLIERS- From left, Justin Scott, 12, Stacy Jones, 12, Andrea Jones, 9, and Cyndy Ramirez, 12, all of Simi Valley, enjoy the thrills of the Spin Out ride at last year's St. Rose of Lima Family Carnival. This year's installment of the 50-year Simi tradition begins in two weeks. Admission is $2.

The annual St. Rose of Lima Family Carnival will be Friday to Sunday, July 6, 7 and 8 on the school grounds behind the parish at 1305 Royal Ave., Simi Valley.

Carnival hours will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $2. Children 12 and under and seniors age 65 and up are admitted free.

Overflow parking is permitted across the street at Royal High School.

Rides include the Ferris wheel, Zipper, roller coaster, Himalaya and more. Ride bracelets are available at $15 per day or $12 on Saturday and Sunday if purchased before 5 p.m.

The raffle drawing grand prize will be a VIP tour for four to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The second prizewinner will get an Old Town trolley tour of Santa Barbara for four and round trip Amtrak tickets. Third prize is a Nintendo Wii.

Numerous other raffle prizes will be given away all day, each day. Raffle tickets are $1 or a booklet of 30 tickets for $25.

Midway games include "Pitch til u win," "Glass pitch," "Frogger," "Shoot the hoops" and "Dip bowl." Enchanted Way Nursery will sponsor a plant booth.

Entertainment includes the Na Hoaloha O Polynesian Fire Dancers, a mariachi band, the Royal High School Jazz Band, the Claddagh Irish Dancers, as well as cloggers and bagpipes.

Featured bands are Ed Lafatta & The Unforgettables and the Dave's Not Here band.

In the food court, the Lemos and Perez families will serve their carnitas as traditionally prepared since the festival began more than 50 years ago.

Other foods for sale include hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken teriyaki, noodles, cotton candy, churros, popcorn, snow cones, ice cream, cold drinks and desserts.

Knights of Columbus Council No. 5803 will sponsor a beer garden.

Pre-owned books will be available at the bookstore.

About 350 parishioners volunteer more than 3,000 to put on the carnival.

Event proceeds will assist the parish in its charitable work aroudn the community.

For more information, call the St. Rose of Lima rectory at (805) 526-1732.