Ah, January in Florida. The weather outside is delightful, and the smell of funnel cakes lingers in the air – in Coral Springs, that is. The same city that promises its residents “Everything under the Sun,” is getting ready to host one of the best winter events in the tri-county area: The St. Andrew Family Carnival.
Visitors will find the fun spread out on the St. Andrew parish campus, just down the street from Mullins Park. You can’t miss it, especially given some of its token rides. Climb aboard the high flying Pharaoh twinkling brightly on these mild, cool nights. Ride the Freak Out and the Fireball, and enjoy bumper cars you can drive with one hand on the wheel, and the other around your cotton candy.
Last year, approximately 15,000 people attended and, hoping they draw similar numbers this year, the St. Andrew Carnival is reprising its exceptionally good food, entertainment, and chance to try your luck at winning an array of prizes. Some of this year’s corporate sponsors are offering grand prizes you won’t want to miss.
Event organizer and St. Andrew faculty member Tara Bartos says, “Our carnival gets bigger and better every year, and that’s because there’s something for everyone here, no matter their age. It’s a great event, not only for our school and parish, but for the Coral Springs community. It lets everyone know, this is a nice place to live.”
Coral Springs is also a great place to hear live music. Venues like the St. Andrew Carnival grounds bring out the brightest stars. This year’s musical guests include headlining performances by The Hard Liquor Band, 100 Proof, and Nickelodeon star Nick Merico, who sings “If You Were My Girl”. All are back by popular demand.
Coming out for this year’s event, is a treat for your taste buds, too.
Nosh on paella or sip cold beer in a traditional biergarten. Other gustatory delights include the legendary Goldberg Belly Buster: a quarter pounder that’s been deep fried and wrapped in bacon. Also on the menu: Smoked sausage and peppers, flame broiled hotdogs and hamburgers and the deep fried Oreos that, one must reason, have gotta be okay for you every once a while. The teenagers will love the Monster Drinks, priced to keep you going all night long, and of course there is bottled water and soft drinks on tap as well.
So, make like you would with a funnel cake and buy your tickets while they’re hot. Discounted 4-day wrist bands are on sale at a presale price of only $50. You can pick yours up before and after Sunday mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church, now through January. Of course, you can purchase tickets at the carnival’s admission booth, too.
Come one, come all, and get your carnival on – we’ll see you there!
This 4-Day Extravaganza, Heralded As “Food and Fun for Every Age”, Kicks Off On January 21, 2016
Thur., Jan. 21 from 5 to 9pm
Fri., Jan. 22 from 5-11pm
Sat., Jan. 23 from noon to 11pm
Sun., Jan. 24 from 12-9pm
