If support is good, carnivals may return in future years

One community’s loss is another’s gain. Such is the case this year with Marion County Fair, which confirmed Monday that a carnival will be at the fair for the first time since 2007.

Another fair had complications, leaving Pride Amusements of Galena with an empty week. Pride Amusements co-owner Ed Burlingame contacted Fair Manager Stephanie Richmond to ask whether the fair association was looking for a carnival.

“This was not planned,” Richmond said. “It just miraculously happened.”

The carnival should include 10 to 12 rides and some games. Space for the carnival will reduce parking, but the fair association is happy to make the trade-off.

“This could very well be the last time any of us see one in Hillsboro,” Richmond said. “This means we really need everyone to come out and support the fair and the carnival.

“If the community does not support this carnival, the opportunity will never present itself again due to the word spreading throughout the carnival business community that it is not worth their while to play at our fair. After fielding complaints about the lack of a carnival for the past two years, MCFA is ecstatic about this opportunity.”

Parade route changed

Construction on Ash Street has forced the fair parade route to change. The parade will travel along Grand Avenue west to Elm Street, continuing on to Floral Drive and to the fairgrounds. That was the route the parade took before it was changed to Main Street.

Parade meeting locations are:

• Color guard, police, and city and county officials — 100 block of South Jefferson Street.
• Politicians — Grand Avenue.
• Bands — Hillsboro High School.
• Antiques and novelties — Grand Avenue.
• Demolition derby cars — east parking lot.
• Machinery dealers — 100 block of North Jefferson Street.
• 4-H and commercial floats — Grand Avenue.
• Commercial equipment and floats — Grand Avenue.
• Horses and livestock — 100 block of North Madison Street.