Family fun aplenty at this year's St. Rose of Lima carnival
By Brennan Whitmore Special to the Acorn

WHEEEEEEE!- Above left, brothers Ulises Loma, 12, and Jairo Loma, 14, of Simi Valley crack up as they are flung upside down and twisted around on one of the many rides offered at the annual St. Rose of Lima Family Carnival on Saturday. At right, Simi Valley residents Jackie Pablo, 11, Amber Currie, 12, and Destiny Chavez, 12, hold hands and squeal as they slip down a huge, yellow, undulating slide.

For decades the annual St. Rose of Lima Family carnival has drawn fun-seeking kids and their families to the grounds of the Simi Valley Catholic church. Last weekend was no exception.

"Around 12,000 people showed up," carnival chairman Ed Roberts said. "We had a big crowd here on Friday."

Starting out as an annual picnic for parishioners around 1948, Roberts said, the event grew over the years and eventually opened to the community with the addition of carnival rides and vendor booths.

Roberts said that in today's economic climate, the carnival can be a frugal way for families to have fun.

"It's real inexpensive to get in here. It's only $2 per adult and 12and-under are free, so it's a great value," he said. "We have a lot of live entertainment, so they don't even have to spend money when they come in here. They can just enjoy the show."

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers

At the event, food booth manager George Gnesda said the summer heat wasn't slowing anyone down.

"I think it's a great way to get out and have fun," Gnesda said. "As long as it's below 95, it can stay that way."

Net profits raised by the carnival will go to the parish's several ministries as well as to other endeavors supported by the church.

On hand at the event were members of the Lemos family, who've been making authentic Mexican food in Simi Valley since 1980.

They were running a food booth, selling carnitas, something the family has done since the carnival began.

"It's a parish tradition, and we're just happy to be a part of it," George Lemos said. "Hopefully we can pass it along to our kids, and they can carry on the tradition."

HOT OFF THE GRILL- Rocco Cavaluzzi, originally of New York City but now living in Simi Valley, cooks up a pan full of steaming onions, bell peppers and chilies for carnival-goers.