Walnutport carnival has something for everyone
J.T. Kochie, 6, and Juliette Kochie, 4, of Walnutport, take their turn riding the Hondas at the 2019 Walnutport Playground Association Carnival on Tuesday. Visit www.tnonline.com for a video. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
Haylee Mcpeek, 2, of Walnutport, enjoys a bite of pizza fed to her by her father, Brandon Mcpeek. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
Rides were in motion, the smell of food wafted from the stands, and the sweet sound of music permeated the background as the annual 2019 Walnutport Playground Association Carnival kicked off Tuesday night at the playground on Lincoln Avenue.
The rides were a popular attraction for youth such as 4-year-old Sebastian Kunkle of Northampton.
“I’m having fun riding the boats and driving the firetrucks,” Sebastian said.
For Jim Kochie of Walnutport, watching his son, J.T. Kochie, 6, and daughter, Juliette Kochie, 4, take a ride on the Hondas served as a fond reminder of his childhood.
“It’s a nice little small-time carnival,” Kochie said. “I love to see them go on the same rides.”
Austin Sammer, 10, of Schnecksville, said the carnival is one of his favorite stops of the summer.
“I’ve grown up here,” Austin said. “You come out here to have fun, and you go.”
Over in the food section, vendors stayed busy whipping up carnival favorites such as French fries, pizza, snow cones, and waffles and ice cream.
The palatable offerings were among the main reasons Terry Rehrig of Slatington said he and his wife, Heather, and daughter, Chelsy, 7, came out.
“We’re here to eat, here for the band,” he said.
There is also entertainment each day of the carnival, as Droppin’ Trou chose to swing on by as visitors watched from their lounge chairs to see the band perform the opening act.
The carnival continues from 6-11 p.m. today through Saturday.
Rides are available for kids each night, with a ride special today and Saturday.
The Rehrig Brothers are set to perform tonight. Other entertainment this week will include The Large Flowerheads on Thursday; Country Rhythm Band on Friday; and Hydraulic Lime Band on Saturday.
A fireworks display will be presented by Celebration Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday.
Gale Husack, who co-chairs the event with her father, Robert Treskot, said the event supports the playground association’s boys and girls softball and baseball programs.
“We’re here supporting our softball and baseball programs, that’s what all our proceeds from the carnival goes toward,” Husack said. Come out and support the community.”
