NT Catholic School offers 5K run, food and rides at three-day carnival.
By Barbara Tucker/[email protected]
Wednesday, June 09, 2026

So you think you can sing better than John Stevens? This year’s 10th annual Summer Carnival sponsored by North Tonawanda Catholic School is the place to prove your boast.

Although the carnival offers many familiar events from a 5K walk/run to musical entertainment, one new feature is sure to be a hit: The NTerrifiC Idol contest.

“We want those terrific Western New York voices to really shine through,” said Joan Boryszewski-Mullin, organizer of the Terrific Idol contest.

“The competition will include four age groups from 11 all the way to 99.”

While Mullin is looking for singers, Larry Pfalzer, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Madonna Council, is looking for runners and walkers.

Pfalzer’s event, a 5K run and walk is in memory of Jamie LaBarbera.

“Jamie was killed in a tragic auto accident last year when she was only 21. She ran this race, worked at the carnival and was involved in so many different challenges at North Tonawanda High School,” he said.

She was active at St. Albert’s and a member of the 107th Air Refueling Wing deployed to Oman during Operation Enduring Freedom, he said.

Registration for the Run will start at 9 a.m. Sunday with the run start at 11 a.m. The race is USA Track and Field sanctioned. Awards will include ribbons, shirts and souvenirs. A post-race party will feature entertainment, food, refreshments and an award ceremony.

The race, Idol contest and carnival will take place on the grounds of St. Albert Parish on Niagara Falls Boulevard, one of the four parishes that make up NTC. The kickoff parade at 6 p.m. Friday will signal the start of the three-day event.

At the Idol contest, contestants choose two songs, one for the initial competition beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday and a second if he or she is selected for the finals on Sunday. The finalists will receive an Audience Choice Award and are judged by community members who have musical backgrounds.

Mullin said she’s working with a great group who always come up with something new — like Terrific Idol.

“We’ve got some great prizes, too,” she added. “Among them is the opportunity to sing at Canal Fest, on-stage at the Riviera and at Anderson’s Cruise Night.

“Anyone who’s had a ‘shower’ desire to perform in front of an audience or likes to sing alone or with a friend should join in,” Mullin said.

“I’ve been working on the carnival for nine years and the most important thing is that it’s very family oriented,” Mullin said. “You can have a good time with your family, meet a lot of new people and friends you haven’t seen since high school. There’s chowder, chicken barbecue, strawberry shortcake and rides for the kids that I wouldn’t go on,” she laughed. “The music ranges from the Universal Grille Band on Friday night to the Garbage Can Band on Sunday afternoon — with Elvis thrown in as well.”



Contact staff writer Barbara Tuckerat (716) 693-1000, Ext. 110.








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