A family friendly fair

Posted 5/27/14

The field at Oakland Beach was once again transformed into a carnival this past weekend, as St. Rita’s Church brought the community together for three days of rides, games and homemade cooking. …

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A family friendly fair

DEFYING GRAVITY: Thrill seekers take to the air during the annual St. Rita’s carnival held at Oakland Beach.

CARNIVAL THRILLS: Caroline Lowenstein of North Kingstown flies on the swings.

Photo courtesy of Anne Diffly

STIRRING THE MEATBALLS: Jeanne Stowe works the food tent at the St. Rita’s Annual Waterfront Festival this past weekend.

EASY RIDER: Avery Jones, who is 2-and-a-half years old, is in command of her motorcycle.

Posted Tuesday, May 27, 2014 1:00 pm

The field at Oakland Beach was once again transformed into a carnival this past weekend, as St. Rita’s Church brought the community together for three days of rides, games and homemade cooking. Chris and Jeanne Stowe have co-chaired the event since they started it 19 years ago. Weather is the most challenging and unpredictable aspect of the carnival. Temperatures cooled attendance Saturday, but as the weekend warmed, crowds picked up. Fireworks on Saturday and Sunday nights are always a draw. While the event nets $30,000 to $35,000 for the parish, Jeanne Stowe said the biggest feature of the carnival is bringing together parishioners who otherwise may only cross paths a couple of times during the year.