St. Peter’s Fiesta opens Wednesday at 7 p.m. with a free concert, by TriF3cta of Boston, on the outdoor stage in St. Peter’s Square at the corner of Rogers and Washington streets.
But before the concert, the annual carnival associated with the celebration opens at 5 p.m., filling the area adjacent to Rogers and Commercial streets with rides and a midway.
Rides at this year’s carnival, which like St. Peter’s Fiesta, runs through Sunday, June 29, include the Spider Wheel Ferris wheel, the 2-story Lucky Lizzy fun house, the Magic Maze, Thunder Bolt, Fire Ball, Top Gun, Zero Gravity and the carousel.
The rides are provided by Fiesta Shows, based in Seabrook, New Hampshire.
“We have the same lineup as last year,” Fiesta Shows President E.J. Dean said
One new ride was to have been offered, but Dean said “supply issues” made its inclusion untenable. He said his company operates more than 50 events during the year, and St. Peter’s Fiesta in Gloucester represents the beginning of the season.
“St. Peter’s Fiesta kicks off a lively and full summer,” he said. “It’s one of the largest local community events we serve. The citizens of Gloucester certainly turn out for the festival.”
Game concessions and such items as fried dough, cotton candy, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, popcorn, ice cream and soft drinks will be available on the midway.
Carnival hours are:
— Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to midnight.
— Friday: 2 p.m. to midnight.
—Saturday and Sunday: Noon to midnight.
Access to the carnival rides is available through the purchase of wristbands and “The Megapass.” Wristbands are not required to enter the carnival and individual ride credits may be bought on-site.
Wristbands are valid for one-day use only and cost $30 online and $35 per person when purchased on-site. Wristbands are valid during carnival hours Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday .
Megapass tickets, which provide unlimited access to mechanical rides all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, cost $40 online and $45 on-site.
Things to keep in mind:
— If wristbands and the Megapass are purchased online, tickets must be presented at the entrance.
— All ticket sales are final; there are no refunds.
— Rides, foods and games are subject to change.
—Exclusions and restrictions may apply at the discretion of Fiesta Shows.
Joe Novello, president of the 12-person Fiesta Committee, said Fiesta Shows has filled the bill for the Fiesta carnival experience for several years.
“It’s about people getting together with friends and family,” he said. “People come from all over the country and out of the country. People come back at festival time.”
Novello, 74, estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 people will attend St. Peter’s Fiesta events over the next several days.
Now in his 43rd year working on the festival, he said committee members have been working to maintain the equipment being used, including making repairs to the altar stage and replacing many of the street decorations.
“We did it in our spare time,” Novello said.
Additional information about the carnival, including information about the purchase of wristbands, Megapasses and tickets, may be found at https://www.fiestashows.com/fs/gloucester-st-peters-fiesta/.
Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@gloucestertimes.com.