Hundreds of residents attended the Brantford Spring Carnival’s opening night on Friday, April 26, 2024.
During the event, the smell of carnival foods such as french fries, onion rings, corn dogs and cotton candy filled the air as the bright multi-coloured lights flashed throughout the Brantford and District Civic Centre parking lots.
With roughly 14 various rides spread throughout the grounds, visitors of all ages laughed and screamed as they enjoyed attractions like the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, the “Scrambler,” “Zero Gravity,” the “Hurricane” and more.
Concession game workers also encouraged carnival-goers to try their hand at winning a prize at one of the 13 different games.
Ryan Thistel, a second-generation worker, said that the yearly event is all about family fun.
“This is our first day open and it’s been a really great turnout with the weather” he said. “Everyone’s having a good time and having fun; that’s what it’s all about, you know? People come for the rides and the games, the sights, the sounds and the smell of the food. You get to hang out with your family and your buddies and just have a good time, what more could you ask for?”
Brantford residents Kara Hayworth and her daughter, Esme Arias-Hayworth, were just a few of the many who had been waiting all week for the event.
The youngster was all smiles after trading up her prize at one of dart game concessions.
“For me, I love the rides,” said Kara. “I just love that feeling in your stomach when you spin upside down. But really, it’s all about seeing how happy it makes her. I work nights at a restaurant and her dad works days, so when we’re all together like this, she’s just super excited.”
When her mom asked her what she liked most about the carnival, Esme was all giggles as she listed off her two favourite parts.
“One of them is that it has the funnest games! And the other one is being with you!” she said happily jumping and pointing at her parents.
Don and Joyce Campbell first started Campbell Amusements over 50 years ago and with over 45 carnival rides and midway games, the business became one of Canada’s preeminent midway providers.
Their son Dany Campbell took over the company in 2003 and he and his family have been running it ever since.
The family owned and operated show travels across Canada hitting communities in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and PEI, as well as New Brunswick.
For those who haven’t already visited, or those who may want to stop by again, the Brantford Spring Carnival will be running daily until Sunday, May 5. The event will run between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Friday 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10:00 p.m.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
