The rides were bigger than ever, the carnival fare delicious, the games amusing for all ages, and the entertainment over the top and non-stop.

The annual carnival at St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, pulled out all the stops to deliver yet another fun filled event loaded with things to do for the friends, families and students of all ages in the local community. With free admission, Friday night, Sept. 5 was packed with carnival goers from the local area. Wristband night could also be the reason why loads of kids showed up and rode the various attractions, including the Zipper, the Ferris wheel, Round Up and the rides for younger children.

Saturday night set out to be a rainy and stormy start but ended with a spectacular finish, with an unforgettable fireworks show by Garden State Fireworks to complete the evening. The well-known Irish band "Paddy and the Pale Boys" came out to perform and had the crowd dancing and singing along.

Sunday was a picture perfect day as the carnival entered its final day before packing up the tents for another year. The grounds were filled once again with carnival attendees and special guests including Anna and Elsa made the day complete for the youngsters anxiously awaiting to meet them.

Many school families and parishioners commented on how impressed they were with the carnival and how it seemed "bigger and better than ever!" The same sentiment was shared amongst friends over the three days and despite the raindrops early Saturday, the carnival was a huge hit for the church and school.