Prepping for the Fall Festival

Ben Patnaude of Ruskin and his dog Rico take a break from helping set up the rides for the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church’s annual Fall Festival, scheduled this Thursday through Sunday, November 19 to 22, on the church grounds at 5800 15th Ave S, in Gulfport.

Patnaude, the ride superintendent for Arnold Amusements, Inc. of Riverview, FL, says he doesn’t go on the rides anymore although he builds, maintains and fixes them.

“My daughter does all the time,” he said. “She has a pretty big playground.”

Patnaude says his dog Rico goes on the rides, too. “That dog, he rides the ferris wheel, the big one,” he said. “He’ll sit right in the gondola.”

Entrance to the church’s 45^th annual festival is free of charge. There will be rides, midway games, food, drinks, cold beer and wine, a 50/50 drawing, and live entertainment.