Novemberfest 2012: New Rides, Free Admission, Idol Finals Tonight (Nov. 11)

The weather? What could be better then the crisp temperatures and clear skies that have welcomed the 43rd annual Novemberfest at Nativity Catholic Church and school in Brandon. The five-day carnival runs through Monday, Nov. 12.

"It's a great family fun event for the whole community," said volunteer Vicki Sommer, working with the food committee at Novemberfest on Nov. 10. "The crowds have been good, we couldn't have asked for better weather and everybody seems to be having fun. And Jeremey Rosado has been a big hit with the kids."

Rosado, a Top 13 finalist with this year's American Idol, hails from Brandon and has been active with community events. He hosted the first night of the Novemberfest Idol competition and is serving as a judge. The Novemberfest Idol Grand Finale is scheduled for today, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m.

Today at the carnival is Nativity Alumni Day, with Awestruck, the Nativity Family Mass Band, set to perform at noon.

• For a guide to events, and things you need to know about Novemberfest, including hours and prices, see

The fun includes midway rides, carnival food and ongoing entertainment under the big tent, which features as well a wide assortment of dining as well.

"The weather's been incredible," said Joe Kurtz, a volunteer working with operations. "We have some new rides, which the kids are always wanting new rides, so they're excited about that. There's a new ride to the right of the ferris wheel, which turns around, spins and throws people around." (See the "Freak Out" video attached to this post.)

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Kurtz said he has been a church member for four years, the same amount of time he has been volunteering for Novemberfest. Prior to that, Kurtz had attended Novemberfest as a community guest. Now, he knows firsthand what it takes to put on a carnival of this magnitude.

"There is so much stuff that has to be done to get ready for it," he said. "We're here probably three weeks before the opening day, getting ready and building stuff, putting stuff up. There's just a ton of things that have to get done and it's all done by volunteers."