TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Carnival offers family fun

ADVERTISEMENT

By MISSI McCOMBS

Special to the Tribune

Published: April 15, 2009

SWANN ESTATES - Forty-five years ago, Tina Gonzalez wanted to send her two sons to Catholic school but was unable to afford it. She went to visit her pastor at Christ the King Catholic Church, and he offered her children scholarships in return for her help as a volunteer in the school. Thus began the era of Mrs. Gonzalez's spaghetti dinners and a legacy of service to Christ the King Catholic School. Through her example, her youngest son, Steve, learned firsthand what it means to give back to his church and school.

Fast-forward a few decades to 1997, when Steve's oldest son was a kindergartener at the school and Steve, following in his mother's footsteps, attended a Parish Carnival Committee meeting to offer equipment from his business, Catering by the Family.

That offer of equipment became a role in the coordination and staffing of the carnival food booths that he still performs today.

"I probably should have skipped that meeting!" Steve said. "But seriously, I do it for my mother. She would be proud of the business I have started and even more proud that I give back to the community and the church."

Next year, Steve's youngest son will graduate from the school, so he wants to make the next two years extra special. Under the pavilion at this year's carnival, guests still can get all of their carnival favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs and wraps, but this year the menu has expanded to include a Monsignor "DALY" special - a play on the name of Christ the King's pastor, Monsignor Desmond Daly.

The 46-year tradition of rides, food and fun continues at the Christ the King Parish Carnival, which runs from April 23 to 26 at the church at the intersection of South Dale Mabry Highway and Henderson Boulevard.

The carnival offers a midway of games, rides, food, and a beer and wine garden for adults, plus an event stage with free entertainment through the weekend. This year, the event stage will feature a variety show at 7 p.m. April 24 with special guest ENIGMA (from "So You Think You Can Dance") and the MacDill Air Force Base Color Guard to open the show. On Sunday, the Fashionista Fashion Show will be at 3 p.m.

The carnival is a safe, fun-filled weekend for all. Proceeds support Christ the King Catholic School's operating costs and help keep tuition low.

For information, visit www.christthekingcarnival .com.

Missi McCombs is a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church and publicity chairwoman for Christ the King Catholic School. She is a guest columnist for the South and Central Tampa News & Tribune.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT