by Jackie Galvin, director of development and communications
What do you get when you combine gorgeous weather, festival food, sweet treats, and a view of the mountains from a high hilltop in your own backyard? The answer: the Little Sisters of the Poor’s annual Residents’ Day Carnival!
Comprised of Residents and employees along with their families as well as volunteers, friends and Little Sisters, a group of more than 150 people gathered on the hilltop behind our home, where the Maloney Home once stood, for what surely was the best carnival we have ever had.
Beginning in the early afternoon, as carnival-goers arrived they were treated to the same types of foods you would find at any summer festival. Whether you were in the mood for something from the Orient such as egg rolls or you were looking for something on the sweeter side like funnel cakes, our kitchen cooked up all of this and more for everyone to enjoy. As we snacked on our egg rolls and funnel cakes, we were also treated to hot dogs, cheddar crackers, soft pretzels, and much more.
All of the food really was great and as if those treats weren’t enough to satisfy our taste buds, Jean Evans, daughter of one of our Residents, Barbara Pascale, arranged to have the Chilly Willy ice cream truck arrive at the picnic at the perfect time to serve dessert. It certainly was sweet of Jean to send these sweets to us! After we finished our smorgasbord of snacks, it was time to start the activities. For some people that meant visiting a petting zoo made up of the cutest little farm animals, for others it meant taking a walk on the wild side and slipping down a 15-foot waterslide or racing through a water tunnel. And, for those people who are more like me, it meant having a good time just by watching other people enjoy themselves at these activities as they participated in a water balloon toss, a pie eating contest, and Father Ruth’s magic show all set to the tunes of DJ Dragon.
As the day came to a close, I don’t think many people really wanted to leave the carnival. But as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Thankfully, the fun sure lives on in our Residents’ minds and hearts as they warmly think about this special day on our hilltop. To see all of the fun we had, check out the photo slide show of this event.
Until next time,
Jackie
