Madonna Carnival Kicks Off Summer

There’s nothing like a town carnival to say that summer is here. Fort Lee’s own held its traditional carnival from Tuesday through Sunday--an annual fundraiser for the parish for over three decades.

Because a large number of the rides were geared specifically toward younger children, mothers didn't have to worry about their little ones crying because they were “not old enough to go on the big kid rides.” Many of the tiny tot rides were sequestered off into a “kiddie land” area, making it easy for parents to avoid boisterous teenagers headed for the more thrilling – but less adorable! – rides like the Ferris wheel and that formidable “whip” ride that makes it to every small carnival.

Cheryl Seijoo, who was there with her four-year-old son Felipe, agreed.

“My favorite part is that they have a lot of small rides for them, and they get to see their classmates and their neighbors here,” she said.

When Patch asked Felipe what his favorite part was, he carefully replied, "The Ferris wheel."

And let’s not forget about the food!

This was the first year the carnival had its own Korean barbeque, which was quite a hit. Patch observed at least half a dozen people on line at any given time, with several hard workers in the middle of a variety of grilled meat and vegetable dishes.

Beside the Korean BBQ table there was a stand for Greek food, and not too far away was the ubiquitous sausage-and-pepper hero stand.

Oh, and let’s definitely not forget about zeppole!

Six zeppole for $5? That's quite a steal, though carnival goers who were trying to eat healthier could get 3 for $2.50.

The best part of the carnival? The sense of community. People of all religions and cultures made it out with their children and friends just to celebrate life. Those working the stands seemed to be having as much fun as the people paying to play the games.

Alex Siangpipop, a Fort Lee native and junior at Bergen Academy high school, was working one of the carnival games as community service for his graduation requirements. This was his second year doing the job for free.

“It’s a fun way to do community service,” he said.

The layout for the carnival was well done. It wasn't too crowded to move around. The games, food, ticket booths and rides were spaced far enough from each other that no one had to feel claustrophobic, but everyone got to soak in the experience.

Maryann Lenkel, who has worked for the Church of the Madonna rectory for many years, told Patch that the carnival has never not been a big hit.

"It's just something that as a kid I looked forward to and have been going to since middle school," Lenkel said. "My kids here [go] and now I work for the church and get to see all the detail sand stuff that goes into it. It's kind of nice. My kids are 19 and 25 and still looking forward it."