Carnival-goers will once again be delighted with rides, games, food, prizes and entertainment from July 18 to 22. Admission and parking will be free at the annual Carnevale Italiano, sponsored by the Italian American Social Club of North Brunswick (IASC). The five-day event will be held on the corner of Route 130 north and Apple Orchard Lane.

The hours are 6-11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 18-20; and 5-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22.

Wednesday at 7 p.m., there will be live entertainment. On Thursday at 8 p.m., Jerry Spathis will take the stage. A karate demonstration will be held Friday at 7 p.m., and on Saturday a fireworks show by Grucci will begin at 10 p.m. The super 50/50 raffle drawing will be held 9 p.m. Sunday.

New this year will be all-you-can-ride wristbands on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

"People are asking us every day, 'When is the carnival going to be?' People like to come and socialize. It's good food and good rides," said Vito Puleio, president of the IASC. "I enjoy doing it. It's a pleasure to have people come up to me and say, 'We enjoy the carnival.' "

Members of the IASC and its Ladies Auxiliary will be on hand each night, but more volunteers are welcome. Call Puleio at 732-246-1278 to participate. Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@gmnews.com.