Illinois Representative Rita Mayfield joined with other elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of the St. Anastasia Carnival.  In a brief ceremony at the base of the 50-foot Ferris Wheel, Rep. Mayfield and Lake County Recorder of Deeds, Mary Ellen Vandervetter (Alumni) cut the ribbon the open the four-day event. Waukegan Park District Commission Member Bill Durkin (Alumni) and Waukegan Alderman Pat Needham who is father of three future alumni were also in attendance. Also representing the Waukegan Park District was Executive Director and father of two St. Anastasia Alumni, Greg Petry. Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian and Waukegan Main Street Executive Director, Violet Ricker joined St. Anastasia Principal Lourdes Mon and the Rev. Aloysius Funtila in welcoming the guests to the event.

"Most people see this event as their neighborhood Summer festival and that's very true," said Carnival Chairman Homer Benavides. "But it's more than that. This event demonstrates our 85 year commitment to educating the future leaders of our community. Our guest here today represent the many leaders who have graduated from St. Anastasia School."

The St. Anastasia Carnival runs Thursday, July 15th through Sunday, July 18th and offers many thrilling carnival rides, food from many local restaurants and a beer garden near the tented stage where great live acts like blue guitarist Rafael Mendez will perform throughout the weekend.