Justin Medve
Special to the Beaver
The carnival came to town, but it didn’t have to travel from too far.
Deseronto Pentecostal Church hosted its second annual day of fun and games at Centennial Park on Sunday.
The event was brainstormed by Senior Pastor Dan Rooney, simply as an exciting way to celebrate the year-long bond the church shares with locals.
“It’s just a new idea and something different,” Rooney told the Beaver.
“We wanted this to be for everybody, even people who aren’t involved in church,” he added.
Organizer Candace Silver made sure to keep the event’s traditional and modern attractions inclusive. The park was full with chance games, a petting farm, bounce castles and plenty of free food to eat while signing up for contests and draws.
“We try to do games that incorporate all abilities and ages so families can really interact with each other. I want the parents and the grandparents to be able to participate, too,” Silver said.
Other hits of the afternoon were a strongman competition, face painting and rock climbing. The shade was also a sure attraction, but the park’s waterside location kept things cool.
Rooney said it was easier to host the event the second time around. Staying in contact with vendors, fundraising efforts and the Town of Deseronto granting free use of the park all helped, he said.
Of course, plenty of those who helped put the event to gether ended up having the most fun.
“This is what church should be like,” Rooney said.