One of the longest running traditions in Bedford is the St. Patrick’s Carnival. For more than four decades, dedicated parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church have rallied to raise funds for the church’s educational and charitable outreach services by hosting hundreds of families from the greater-Bedford community for six fun-filled nights. Rumor has it they raise over six figures every year!

Local kids watch for the signs to appear in front of St. Patrick’s School at the intersection of Old Post and Greenwich Roads. As opening night approaches, the energy is palpable at school recess and at the lunch tables where kids from elementary through high school start making plans. It’s not just the 13 rides that draw the kids of all ages with parents in tow. The spring evenings kick off with cotton candy, fried dough, and a barbecue dinner (if you’re a sausage and peppers fan, you won’t want to miss this), followed by visits to the raffle tent, carnival games, and of course, the rides. Veteran carnival fans return year after for the Scrambler, bumper cars, and ferris wheel, and winning a St. Pat’s goldfish is a local rite of passage—the total number of annual goldfish adoptions over the past 43 years is unknown but likely impressive.

What can you win (other than a goldfish)? Stuffed animals, galore, and this year’s raffle prize is a three year lease on a 2017 Lexus Model RX350 (or $25,000 cash).

Where: St. Patrick’s School, 483 Old Post Road, adjacent to the Village Green

When:

Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30-10 pm
Wednesday, May 17 from 6:30-10 pm
Thursday, May 18 from 6:30-10 pm
Friday, May 19 from 6:30-11 pm
Saturday, May 20 from 2-10 pm
Sunday, May 21 from 1-5 pm

See you at the goldfish booth!

Photos courtesy of St. Patrick's Carnival.