CLINTON — The carnival portion of Clinton’s Heritage Days, held every July, almost was eliminated, but thanks to a passing vote, the city council has decided to keep the carnival rides — for now.
The city council renewed the contract with carnival operators Midway West Amusements with a 3-1 vote at a recent meeting.
The contract will extend for the next two years, though a couple of council members have reservations about the future of carnival rides at their annual event.
One of the biggest concerns brought up by a couple of the council members is the cost associated with the rides, which has been $3 per ride per person.
“We want to get our families to Heritage Days, but families stay away because of the expense of the rides,” said Councilwoman Cheri Reed.
During the meeting, she stated she is not a proponent of the carnival, but still voted yes to renew the contract.
Councilman Brice Mitchell cast the dissenting vote.
Assistant Recreation Director Ruth Collard responded to the concern about cost by saying the carnival rides are cheaper than a trip to Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington.
“A lot of people have said this is their family vacation each year,” Collard said.
Mayor Mitch Adams said, “I think there is an element of our community that would like to say adios (to the carnival rides), but there is the other group that would be really disappointed.”
The city has included carnival rides at Heritage Days for the past 15 years.
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