It’s Carnival Time: Orange Lions Club Charity Carnival inspected, ready to go
Published 10:29 am Wednesday, October 16, 2019
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
Cooler weather brings the smells of Fall with it and the anticipation of a well-loved tradition – the opening of the 79th Orange Lions Club Charity Carnival on Wednesday.
Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon Cutting at 5 p.m. Thursday for Lion’s Carnival Opening at Orange Lion’s Den City Park in Orange. An event many have enjoyed since childhood and now returning with their children and grandchildren.
“We are excited,” Orange Lions Club 1st Vice President Kacey Burnitt said. “We can’t wait to see everyone.”
Carnival Inspector Paul Zellar braved six hours through Houston traffic on Monday to be on-site Tuesday morning to give each ride a final check so the gates could open on Wednesday.
“It’s an annual inspection required by the state before a carnival can open,” Zellar said. “We check to make sure everything is ready to operate mechanically.”
Zellar added the Lions Clubs were very good to work with during the five to six years he has inspected the rides.
“The rides are usually in really good condition,” Zellar said. “They are only run two weeks a year. Most of the ones I inspect are year-round.”
For generations, the Lions Club Carnival has remained arguably the most popular fun-filled family-oriented event in Orange County. The carnival offers patrons great games, tasty food, arts and crafts, and, of course, those thrilling rides for all ages.
There are some changes to the carnival this year.
“The photo booth will have a carnival theme this year,” Kacey Burnitt said. “It will be multi-colored and bright. The String Pull is back this year as well.”
Proceeds from the carnival are used by the Lions Club, and supporting Lions Clubs from across the area, to help in their various charitable endeavors.
The carnival officially opens at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. It is from Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 19 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 26. Kiddie Day is 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
Admission for Adult (18 and over) is $3, youth (13-17) is $2 and Child (12 and under) is free. Admission is free from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on “Kiddie Day” only for children from ages Pre-K through Fifth-grade.
Rides and games generally cost $1-$2 per turn.
Edit: To update the ribbon cutting which was rescheduled due to weather.
