Gloriana Matlack, 6, enjoys the merry-go-round Monday at the Lancaster
Catholic High School Carnival.
Colorful balloons brighten a booth at the Lancaster
Catholic High School Carnival.
The rain clouds came. And so did the people.
Carnival-goers didn't shy from ominous skies at Lancaster Catholic High School's 27th annual carnival Monday night.
Opening night found a crowd of about 100 people waiting to get into the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. The parking lot at the Lancaster Catholic athletic fields, where the carnival takes place, had already filled up with cars.
Those who chose to attend despite a severe thunderstorm warning in the region had their gamble pay off. By 7 p.m., a break in the clouds to the west let an evening sun peer through, and in an hour the clouds had moved on.
Carnival rides, fried Oreos and games with goldfish as prizes all greeted carnival-goers. Under a large white tent, a Bingo game and tables stacked with comforters, board games, furniture, collectibles and a digital Sudoku game could be found.
Robin Aurilio was one of the many parents at the carnival who brought their children out for the fun.
"They like to check it out every year, just to see which rides they like," Aurilio said, with her children, Sophia and Macy, taking in the sights. "That's what she's trying to do now," she said of Sophia, who had just gotten off the pony ride.
Another reason they came was to see Sugarcoat, the Lancaster-based rock band that opened the carnival's six nights of music. Sugarcoat guitarist BJ Huss is Aurilio's son's guitar teacher.
Aurilio wasn't the only one who came out to see Sugarcoat. A crowd of about 50 had gathered by 7 p.m. to listen to the four-person band belt out rock hits and some of their original tunes.
Connie White came with her sister and brother-in-law, Jessie & Tom Brinkman, to watch her son, Tim White, who is also a Sugarcoat member. They have been coming to the carnival for about 15 years now.
"We have grandchildren, so we like to bring them out for the rides," Tom Brinkman said as they watched the children rush to the ground on a drop tower ride. They weren't concerned about the rain, since they live in the Rossmere neighborhood around Lancaster Catholic High School.
Barry Bruce, the chairman of the carnival for two years, was hoping others wouldn't be scared away by the threat of rain.
"I'll be happy with 5,000 people," Bruce said, after noting that the average daily attendance is between 5,000 and 7,000. A count for Monday night could not be obtained this morning.
Those who did come out and stay were treated to fireworks. For those who missed them, another fireworks show will be held on Saturday. Skydiver Steve Lapp will fly tonight and Saturday night.
Proceeds from the event benefit the school's athletic department.
The Lancaster Catholic High School Carnival runs through Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, and free for children 6 and under.
Staff writer Stephen Zook can be reached at szook@LNPnews.com or 481-6020.
(227)
