The carnival is free and starts today (Friday, May 18) from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., tomorrow (Saturday, May 19) from 12 noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, May 20, from 12 noon to 10 p.m.
The carnival has a wide variety of activities for the public to enjoy such as: 23 mechanical rides, 10 game booths and 10 different food booths (American, Italian and Mexican).
Entertainment will be offered all day every day and includes Mariachi groups, Radio Stations (Mega 100, KIISFM 102.7, KROQ 106.7 and POWER 106), local karate schools, singers, dancers, bands and community groups.
Also a 2001 Honda Civic, courtesy of Downey Honda, will be raffled off. Cash prizes include: $3,000 (first prize), $1,000 (second prize) and $500 (third prize). Raffle tickets are $1 each. Presale tickets for the mechanical rides are $10 for a booklet of 32 tickets and can be purchased until 4 p.m. today. Tickets will be available on site for $18 per booklet. Game booth tickets are 50 cents each. The Downey Police Department will also be in attendance on Saturday, May 19, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to fingerprint and provide free digital photos for children under 12 years of age.
Mark Ryan, St. Matthias principal, says the public loves the carnival because it offers fun for the whole family. "The turnouts at the carnival are about 5,000 a day," he said. He adds that the carnival began five years ago to upgrade the schools technology and is a success because of the parents. Ryan expects the carnival will earn about $40,000 which will be used to purchase about 35 IBM compatible computers (desktop and laptop). "The more technology is upgraded the better students are prepared for college and the workforce," Ryan said.
"Come one, come all to enjoy the carnival," he added.
For information, call 861-2271, ext 1101.
© Downey Eagle, May 18, 2001