Carnival makes Laredo stop

Flashing lights, squeamish screams, musical games and delicious food are once again here as the Washington Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) Carnival makes its way to Laredo. This popular event has entertained people from all walks of life since 1973 and has shown over the years that it will not die down anytime soon.

For ten days, from Feb. 11 through 21, children and adults can enjoy and take part in all the liveliness of the carnival. No matter how old you are, there is something at the carnival.

Adults can find themselves unleashing their inner beast at the heights of rides like the Kamikaze, Zipper, Pharaoh's Fury, Sky Flyer and Super Shot. Children can ride down the Fun Slide and take a trip around the Merry-Go-Round. As for all those hopeless romantics out there, the Ferris Wheel has become a popular landmark for couples.

Priscilla Rodriguez, a thirty-four year old mother of two, has been coming to the carnival ever since she was four years old. Now she passes on the unforgettable experience to her boys.

"I remember like it was yesterday! My parents would always take me to the carnival every year and I would get sad when it was over. Ten days is simply not enough for a child nor for an adult like me to take in the many wonders this ageless America's favorite past time event has to offer," said Rodriguez.

"I hope that my children will enjoy this momentous event and remember that you are never too old to go to the carnival," continued Rodriguez.

As for the food, people lined up to get a piece of their favorite food items, such as turkey legs, pizza, carne asada, corn dogs, hot dogs, polish dogs and cotton candy.

Sixteen year old Daniel Martinez appeared dumbfounded as he scrambled all over the carnival devouring the many food choices the carnival had to offer.

"I came here for the food! I am not really much of a ride person, but I enjoy eating and that's why I came here with my Tia, Tio and primos who came in from Monterrey, N.L., Mexico to experience the fun," said Martinez.

As the carnival embodies magic and happiness, there will always be screams of joy, laughter and couples rekindling the magic that only a night at the carnival can bring.

Samuel Palacios and Melissa Cortinas, a couple who have been dating for the last eight years, announced their love for one another eight years ago when Samuel asked Melissa to be his girlfriend.

"I remember like it was yesterday. I remember planning the night as I asked Mel out to the carnival. We went on all the scary rides and towards the end, I asked her to be my girlfriend inside the Ferris Wheel. I kissed her as we were at the top overlooking the city. It was magical," said Palacios.

"I cried so much that night because I never thought that Sammy would ever ask me out on a moment such as that! You only see it in the movies," said Cortinas.

Also, captivating people of all walks of life, is the clear-cut image of seeing families coming together.

Miguel Ramos, a proud father of three children, does his best to instill positive attitudes, beliefs and morals onto his children.

"We have entered an era where innocence has died. By the time a child is four years old, he or she would have been told in school that Santa Claus is fake. Innocence is something that our children need in today's

"Nowadays, children want to grow up so quickly that they forget what it's like to be a child. I tell my kids to never think ahead and only enjoy the present moment. We only have one childhood," continued Ramos.

As WBCA Carnival 2010 comes to a close people are once again reminded that there are those who possess an inner child among everyone, whether they like to admit it or not.