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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A beloved Tampa tradition is back as the Christ the King Carnival opens its gates for the 62nd year.
The annual event, hosted on the grounds of Christ the King Catholic Church and School, brings the familiar thrills of classic rides, delicious fair food, and cherished family memories.
But this year, the celebration comes with a somber undertone as the Catholic community prepares to mourn the passing of Pope Francis.
Even in this time of global reflection, the carnival offers a powerful reminder of faith, tradition, and togetherness.
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Inside the school hallways, excitement is everywhere. Fifth-grader William Hadley and eighth-grader Kinley Quinn said the carnival is more than just an event — it’s a family tradition.
“Every year my family goes, and even when I was just a little tot and my sister was a baby, we all went,” Hadley said.
“My whole family is here. It’s a super fun experience. Definitely a tradition,” Quinn said.
The carnival is not just for the parish or the school — it draws thousands across the Tampa Bay. This year marks the first carnival for Rev. Lou Turcotte, who sees it as more than a celebration.
“It’s about building relationships with the community of South Tampa and beyond,” said Turcotte. “It’s sharing that love and joy… meeting new people, seeing old friends, it’s usually a reunion here at Christ the King.”
And yes, both he and school principal Nick Tanis are taking a shift in the ever-popular dunk tank.
“I do take a shift in the dunk tank,” said Tanis. “As will Father Lou this year.”
From classic rides like The Zipper and the Ferris Wheel to a few new additions, the carnival promises thrills for all ages.
For many, it’s the food that steals the show.
“The deep-fried Oreos make me sick, but they’re so good,” said Hadley. “I try to save them for the end of the day, but I just can’t help myself sometimes.”
Longtime parishioner and volunteer Mark Heilig has been helping out for more than 15 years. For him, it’s all about preserving the simple joys.
“It’s simple, it’s fun. The kids can roam around freely because it’s a safe environment… and it’s just the nostalgia of how we enjoyed it when we were kids,” Heilig said.
While the carnival offers excitement and laughter, it also serves as a spiritual gathering point. With the recent passing of Pope Francis, many are embracing the event’s deeper meaning.
“The fact that he died in the Easter season, the season of new life, is profound,” said Rev. Turcotte. “Easter triumphs over everything.”
Event Info:
- 🎡 Christ the King Carnival 2025
- 📍 Location: Christ the King Catholic School, 3809 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
- 📅 Dates: Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27
- 🕔 Opening Tonight at 5:00 p.m.
- 🎟️ Ticket Information & Wristbands
