Small Carnivals Lead to Cramped Crowds

BY AMBER HARRADEN
The well known local Jamboree has become a part of the Canton culture over time, as it takes place once a year and residents eagerly anticipate its arrival. The Jamboree is a small carnival run by the Collinsville volunteer firefighters and EMTs, and it sets up once a year in a park clearing in Canton, Connecticut. The carnival consists of approximately 10 rides, and a handful of games and food booths for patrons to enjoy. However, the enjoyment of the carnival seems to have spread beyond the Canton borders, leading to some overcrowding of the small space.
It appears more and more residents from surrounding towns have been making their way over to enjoy the festivities, the fireworks, and the parade that comes along with the Jamboree. While there has not been a negative response to the increase in town diversity at the carnival, there is becoming an issue with the density of the crowds, especially on the popular night of the fireworks or the parade.
The crowds being drawn to the festivity are primarily young people, out looking for a safe night of fun with their friends and family, while going on rides and winning prizes from playing games. This seems to have lead to a significant increase in the length of time spent in lines, while waiting for a ride or even for food. A less than positive aspect of the carnival that could turn away some of the crowds.
While it is understandable that the small size of the carnival is due to a number of factors, such as limited funds and staff members of the local volunteer fire and EMT departments, it seems to be necessary for those in charge to begin thinking about expanding the event. Changing locations to a more spacious clearing, or just using more of the current one, would allow for the addition of new rides, games, or food booths to the Jamboree. Adding some new rides to the already existing ones could help decrease the time spent waiting in lines, and the excitement of the new rides could draw in more new crowds.
All in all, the annual carnival is increasing in popularity among Canton and its surrounding towns, and drawing in more eager patrons each year. This positive feedback is beneficial to the Jamboree and to the crowds, however the space currently used is becoming too small and crowded, and the addition of new rides could certainly increase the excitement of those that attend Canton’s annual Jamboree.