Holy Family’s Summerfest carnival returns this week

Holy Family Catholic Church’s popular Summerfest is underway.

The only large carnival in the Newark area, the five-day event kicked off Wednesday, July 10, and runs through Sunday, July 14. Holy Family is located at the intersection of East Chestnut Hill Road and Gender Road.

Operating hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The event includes live music every night, food and a carnival midway.

Admission is free, but attendees must pay to enjoy the rides. Holy Family is selling day passes to ride all rides for $35 at the event. A “mega pass” can be purchased in advance for $55 to access all the rides for all five days.

Free parking is available at the church. On Friday and Saturday only, starting at 5 p.m., attendees can also park at Kirk Middle School and take a free shuttle.

Learn more at facebook.com/NewarkHolyFamilySummerfest.

The carnival, which began as a way to celebrate the church’s 25th anniversary and over the years grew into a large event, is Holy Family’s biggest fundraiser. It typically draws a total of 15,000 to 20,000 people.

Entertainment schedule (6 to 9:30 p.m. each night):

Wednesday: Ride the GoatThursday: Different Twist/Skinny BFriday: The BoomersSaturday: The AmigosSunday: Raising Cane