Elmwood Park hosted its annual community carnival Saturday at the Parks and Recreation Building, billed this year as a “spring” one because it took place later in March than usual.
The carnival has in years past been held earlier and been billed as a winter carnival, but parents and kids didn’t seem to mind the wait. Dozens of families show up, eager to engage in obstacle courses, toss some rings, snag prizes and, of course, get a stick of cotton candy or a bag of popcorn.
The Dean family makes sand art at “Spring Carnival” March 30, 2024 at the Parks and Recreation Building in Elmwood Park. (Jesse Wright/Pioneer Press)
For the Deans, a family of four including two small kids, the carnival offered an easy way for the parents to take up a few hours and entertain the kids.
“It’s right down the street from home, so it’s very convenient,” said Kelly Dean.
Eric Dean said the kids like the inflatable slides.
The carnival offered a traditional inflatable slide and a blow-up one attached to the end of an obstacle course. There were also plenty of prizes, including toy cars, pinwheels and other small trinkets.
“My favorite game so far is the ring toss, because I got four tickets,” said Zya Bowser. Bowser was still in the gym area, with all the challenges and games, so she hadn’t even seen the prize table in the next room over. She just knew she was going to win something.
While the fun was aimed at the younger set — technically the toddler to sixth grade-age crowd — the event drew some interest from the young-at-heart too.
“Grandma’s having fun,” said Beila Saculuti, who was ostensibly on hand to watch her granddaughter enjoy the carnival.
And while the young girl, Madison Malalis, did enjoy the ring toss and a hockey challenge game, Saculuti took her turn too.
“It’s like going back to childhood,” Saculuti said, laughing.
Jesse Wright is a freelancer.
