Local residents are no longer strangers in the night

N.B.’s Carnevale Italiano deemed a place to spend time with friends, eat great food

NORTH BRUNSWICK — The 27th annual Carnevale Italiano was held July 14-18 along Route 130 and Apple Orchard Lane in North Brunswick, a township staple that signifies summer, great food and allaround friendship.

Caleb Levine, 11, and Myles Ulman, 13, both of East Brunswick, take a whirl on the Octopus at the 27th annual Carnevale Italiano, held in North Brunswick on July 14-18. SCOTT FRIEDMAN Caleb Levine, 11, and Myles Ulman, 13, both of East Brunswick, take a whirl on the Octopus at the 27th annual Carnevale Italiano, held in North Brunswick on July 14-18. SCOTT FRIEDMAN The Italian American Social Club (IASC) of North Brunswick provided ethnic food choices, rides, games, entertainment and a fireworks display throughout the length of the festival.

Several attendees shared their favorite memories of the carnival from this year and years past:

Tracy Ruvolo, North Brunswick: “I like working [The Frog Bog.] I think it’s a fun game. It is always my favorite game at boardwalks and carnivals.”

Stephanie Roman, North Brunswick: “I like the zeppole and the funnel cake.”

Benjamin Segal, New Brunswick: “I enjoyed talking to one of the vendors, and I love winning the prizes … and the food was delicious.”

Nora Tawfik, South Brunswick: “It reminds me of the summer. You come with friends and hang out. The atmosphere is nice. … And I’d have to say the food. Everything you can get here, like fried Oreos and zeppole.”

Jennifer Gibbons, East Brunswick: “I’d have to say the food, too, and the fireworks. … It’s kind of like a summertime thing to do.”

Amanda Rossmeissl, North Brunswick: “The first time I had penne alla vodka [was at the Carnevale].”

Sara Reyes, North Brunswick: “I think actually today [is my favorite memory.] I tried the pasta marinara and it was so good!”

Brittney Sarnecky, North Brunswick: “This is going to sound cheesy, but last year, I got my picture taken with Elmo. I love Elmo.”

– Jennifer Amato