The first-ever Gloucester Summer Kick-Off Carnival will be held for two consecutive weekends, June 13-15 and 19-22, at the old Page Middle School site and will be operated by National Events Management Corporation.
“Seems like there’s something for everyone,” said Hunter LeClair, carnival liaison and Tourism, Marketing & Events Manager for Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
The event is planned for the week after school lets out for summer break and will feature carnival rides of various sizes, including a Ferris wheel, games with prizes and food. Entry to the carnival is free.
“It’s definitely a full-scale operation,” said LeClair. The county will incur no costs by holding the carnival as NEMC is responsible for all of the permitting, licensing, advertising, traffic management and staffing for the event. All the county has to provide is a water source.
As part of its agreement with NEMC, Gloucester will receive 10 percent of all ride revenues after expenses. These funds will help offset the mowing and maintenance costs of the old Page site.
“We still have to maintain this really large property,” said LeClair. Since the county still owns the old Page site, it is responsible for the upkeep of the property and the costs associated with that upkeep.
In addition to receiving a percentage of the revenue from the rides, Gloucester is also looking forward to the carnival being “a good tourism drive for people to come in the county and spend money,” said LeClair.
People from neighboring localities are projected to visit the carnival, which could lead to an economic boost in Gloucester for those two weekends.
The hours of the carnival are 5-10 p.m. on Thursday and both Fridays and 2-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Parking will be on-site.
“There’s free parking,” said LeClair. “They have attendants to help park.” Those who already know they would like to enjoy the rides can go ahead and purchase all-you-can-ride wristbands in advance at a discounted price through the Gloucester Summer Kick-Off Carnival Facebook page. Wristbands are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
“They’re doing a lot of Facebook giveaways,” said LeClair. Abingdon Ruritan Club has already purchased 60 wristbands to be distributed to local elementary and middle school students who have exhibited academic excellence this school year. Local deputies will be helping with security and traffic control during both weekends. “The sheriff’s office will be on-site,” said LeClair.
If the carnival goes well and the decision is made to have it again next year, there could be opportunities for local vendors to make their mark on the event.
LeClair likened the carnival to the Gloucester County Fair, just on a larger scale. The last county fair was held at Ark Park in August 2011.
“I think a lot of people are excited to have something like that back in Gloucester,” said LeClair.
NEMC has put on events similar to the forthcoming Gloucester Summer Kick-Off Carnival, including the Soundside Fun Fair in Nags Head, North Carolina, Franklin Fun Fair, and Suffolk Peanut Festival.
“I’m excited,” said LeClair. “I hope it goes well.”