It may have been a rainy day that led to quite a few canceled events in the area, but the weather did not stop Friedens Church of Shartlesville’s eighth annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Though the rain may have made for some changes, the church grounds were still used. Before entering the Great Room or the basement of the church, attendees were able to participate in fun carnival inspired games under the cover of tents as well as get some hot chocolate to stay warm. Once inside, attendees were treated to a variety of entertainment in the Sanctuary and Great Room as well as a raffle upstairs that had 182 item numbers to choose from. Music was provided by 288, The Dogs of Faulkner Swamp, Andulhea Choir, Dr. Steven Katzenmoyer and Friedens Choirs.
Beginning in 2007, the carnival has become a popular event for not only church members but the community as well. The idea started with former Pastor Jerry Kulp.
“We were building our new Christian education wing and he came to me and said ‘So many people are curious about what this church is building up on the hill. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have an event such as an open house so the public could see it?'” explained Stacey Slifer last year. “We are blessed to have many sponsors for this event, between the raffles, donations and the sponsors; we are able to host many families who enjoy a ‘free’ night out.”
Kulp wanted the carnival to be around Christmas and completely free so that all could enjoy. Slifer explained that she mentioned to Kulp that she was thinking of something like the Christmas Carnival scene in the movie “Steel Magnolia’s.”
Last year the mower shed at the rear of the church’s property was decorated and turned into Santa’s Workshop. Guests could travel to the workshop via a horse drawn surrey. This year, the workshop was moved closer to the rest of the carnival right in the basement. Children, and their parents, walked into the decorated workshop that offered holiday favorites that they could sing along to, face painting, a chance to write a letter to Santa and of course a visit with Mr. Claus himself.
Keeping with tradition, a Live Nativity Reading with new Pastor Inge Williams took place in the front parking lot and included a petting zoo.
“It takes a lot of bodies and volunteer hours to make this happen and they all do it because they love the feeling they get from providing the community with such an awesome opportunity,” said Slifer last year. “We have a wonderful church family who willingly gives their time and energy to pull this off. We also get extended support from individuals and other groups.”
Mark Mohn was once again the emcee for the evening.
Not only did the rain not cancel the carnival, but it also did not keep community and church members from attending. Right from the start the parking area was quickly filling up. It was another successful winter carnival for all involved and in attendance.
