THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 24, 1995 TAG: 9508230221
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
WITHIN TWO HOURS Saturday, more than 200 children and adults joined the festivities of ``Family Carnival For Christ 1995'' on the front lawn of Nansemond River Baptist Church.
Frances Riddle, firefighter and medic with the Driver Volunteer Fire Department, introduced kids to ``Spunky,'' the fire dog. ``It's been a great day for the adults and the children,'' said Riddle, as she greeted toddler Jennifer Asbell.
Throughout the morning, energetic children climbed in and out of the fire engine, the Bennetts Creek Rescue Squad vehicle and the DARE van. Another attraction was an closeup look into an 18-wheeler, with personal tours by driver Brian McKinney.
There were children's games, a Ferris wheel and rides on the ``Major Express'' train.
For 2-year-old Jack Doerner, it was a day of firsts, according to his mom. ``It was lots of fun, and he had his first cotton candy and his first snow cone,'' Kathy Doerner reported. As mom visited with a friend, Jack waded in the kiddie pool - shoes, socks and all.
Peggy Sue Butler, Nansemond River's preschool coordinator, and Irene Rowe, director of the children's division, orchestrated the day's events with lots of behind-the-scenes help.
``The purpose of the carnival is to provide family fun and a way to reach out into the community,'' Butler said. ``This is our fourth year for the carnival, and each time gets bigger and better.''
The Carnival For Christ was free and open to the public. The $400 for vendors and supplies came from congregational donations. ``Even the preschoolers brought their change,'' Butler said.
``So much today revolves around money,'' Butler said. ``Where can you go for a few hours of quality family fun that doesn't cost you a fortune?''
Ginna Reardon of New Jersey, visiting Hampton Roads with her son's family - members at Nansemond River - had granddaughter Moriah in arms. ``There's such a warm spirit and so much love,'' she said.
``Carrot Top'' the clown, played by Amy Kumm - wife of South Quay Baptist's pastor - kept the kids smiling throughout the morning, passing out helium balloons. And to keep tummies full, Nansemond River teens and adults served up popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and lemonade.
While some Carnival-goers meandered about the fairgrounds, others took a tour of the children's educational classrooms. With a children's division enrolling 150, from infants through grade six, Nansemond River has one of the largest and most active children's ministries in the area. Children's Sunday School classes, choirs and mission organizations meet on a weekly basis. And monthly activities and seasonal events keep things hopping throughout the year. MEMO: For more information about the ministries at Nansemond River Baptist
Church, call 484-3423. The church is at 2896 Bridge Road, near the James
River Bridge.
ILLUSTRATION: ``Carrot Top'' the clown entertained at the Family Carnival For
Christ.
by CNB