Carnival, closed streets part of this year's Festival on the Neuse
By Junious Smith III
The carnival is back in town.
Wednesday was the first day for the event, which coincides with the annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse, set for Friday and Saturday. The carnival is at Pearson Park off Mitchell St. and involves rides such as a Ferris wheel, Super Shot Drop Tower and carousel.
Waylon Adams, president of the Lenoir County Fair Association, said there are numerous features to make this year a great one.
“It’s the same carnival, but there will be a better show,” Adams said. “We have 14 rides this year, which is the most we’ve had — with more room given, we’re about to do more. We’ll also have plenty of games, five carnival food trailers and as the festival grows, we’ll continue to expand.”
There will be unlimited ride wristbands for $25 at the carnival and coupons available in several locations downtown for $5 off.
“We have those coupons available at The Beauty Box, Leon Thomas, Sugar Hill Pizza and the Chamber (of Commerce),” Adams said. “If you can’t make it to those places, there’s a link to print one off.”
Coupons can be found at kinstonbbq.com/carnivalcoupon and also have $1 off of funnel cake, jumbo popcorn and jumbo cotton candy. The coupon must be printed off to be usable.
Overall, Adams is expecting a big turnout over the duration of the Festival.
“We had a small amount of people Wednesday, but it usually builds up toward the end of the event,” Adams said. “We expect about 40,000 people to show up Friday and Saturday, and at least half will come to check us out.”
The carnival will be open from 3-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday.
There will be numerous roads taped off to ensure the safety of those in attendance for the Festival.
“Starting at 4 a.m. (Friday), we’re going to close down the festival area — everything west of Queen St. from Peyton Ave., all the way to King St. and south of Peyton Ave.,” Kinston Police Department Sgt. Chad Rouse said. “It’ll be about eight city blocks and some roads won’t reopen until 6 p.m. Saturday.”
The block around North Street and Mitchell Street will have longer restrictions, as signs encouraging motorists not to park between 1 a.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Saturday posted on telephone polls. Rouse said there are tips motorists can take, along with other alternatives.
“Remember to lock your vehicle and leave nothing out in the open like pocketbooks and electronics,” Rouse said. “If you’re in a group, walk together and pay attention to the weather. If you need help, officers are assigned at each shelter and you can call 911. Every unit — police, firemen, EMS, sheriffs, emergency management — everyone will be on site the entire time. Also, there will be a shuttle from Vernon Park Mall going back and forth to the festival every 15 to 20 minutes.”
