Ormond Beach kids had a blast at the annual Octoberfest Parish Festival (Photos by Emily Blackwood).
There were over 50 rides and attractions at the Catholic church’s annual festival.
The smell of funnel cakes and the sound of screaming children filled the parking lot at Prince of Peace Catholic Church Oct. 9, 10, 11 and 12 for the church’s 46 annual Octoberfest Parish Festival.
Started in 1969, the festival has grown to include over 50 rides and games, Split-the-Pot bingo, a business expo, various food vendors and music ranging from rock to high-energy country.
“The festival was first held in 1966,” Octoberfest Committee Chairman Ron Nowviskie said. “The church was built in 1969 and the festival became a fundraiser to help with the finances of the parish.”
Though Nowviskie himself doesn’t ride any of the rides, there are an average of 30,000 people that come to the four-day event to do so.
“It’s been through a few generations of residents,” Nowviskie said. “They’ve enjoyed it and you see people come back. The people you see once a year, you see them at Octoberfest. It’s probably the longest-running community event in the area.”
Makenley Aitchison, 6 months old, takes in all the lights and sounds of the fair.
The Prince of Peace Catholic Church hosted its 46th annual Octoberfest Parish Festival.
Luke Raulerson, Ryan Hanger and Danielle Hames pulled 1-year-old Isom Hames around the fair.
Screams could be heard throughout the fair from the thrill of The Zipper.
Local kids raced down the slide at the Wacky Shack.
Chelsea Padilla, 3, hitched a ride with her Dora blow-up toy on a whale ride.
The annual Octoberfest Parish Festival was first held in 1969.
The lines were long at the popular Freak Out ride.
Ormond Beach residents got high in the sky on many of the fair’s 50 rides and games.