The carnival at St. Peter’s Fiesta is almost here.
The Fiesta carnival once again will fill the area of Rogers and Commercial streets with outdoor music, entertainment and rides Wednesday through Sunday.
Rides this year will include the Spider Wheel Ferris Wheel, 2-story Lucky Lizzy fun house, the Magic Maze, Thunder Bolt, the Fire Ball, Top Gun, Zero Gravity, and the carousel, provided by Fiesta Shows, based in Seabrook, New Hampshire.
The new ride this year is the pendulum-like “Warrior,” Fiesta Shows President E.J. Dean said.
“It swings roughly 160 degrees each way,” he said.
Game concessions and an array of food concessions will be available, including offerings of fried dough, cotton candy, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, popcorn, ice cream and soft drinks.
Hours for the carnival are:
Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to midnight.
Friday: 2 p.m. to midnight.
Saturday and Sunday: noon to midnight.
“Carnival is the definition of America. It’s the coming together of the community in a fun and spirited way.”
“Parents, grandparents and kids,” Dean said. “It spawns happy memories.”
Joe Novello, president of the 12-person Fiesta Committee, said Fiesta Shows and Dean have for many years worked well together. In particular, he said the company has worked amicably with city departments such as the Police and Fire Departments, to put on a good show.
“He also works well with all the property owners in the neighborhood,” Novello said. “It’s a good fit. It’s a good relationship. He runs the show as if his family was going to be there.”
Novello remembers the carnival being part of Fiesta since the 1950s.
“The most important part of (Fiesta) is the religious aspect,” he said. “But carnival is all about family and friends and getting together to have a good time.”
Access to the more than 15 rides at the carnival is available through the purchase of wristbands that are not required to enter the carnival, “The Megapass,” or individual ride credits which can be purchased on-site.
Wristbands valid for Wednesday, Thursday, and on Friday from 2-6 p.m. can be obtained online for $30 and on-site for $35.
Megapass tickets, which provide unlimited access to mechanical rides all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, cost $40 online and $45 on-site.
Additional information, including information about the purchase of wristbands, Megapasses and tickets, may found at https://www.fiestashows.com/fs/gloucester-st-peters-fiesta/.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.