RACHEL YECCO
Assistant Editor
Published in The Metro: Sept. 20, 2010
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| Photo by Rachel Yecco |
Earlier this month, it was difficult for Fairleigh Dickinson students to ignore the bright carnival lights accenting the Jets Center across Park Avenue, as well as the flashing parking sign. These decorations illuminated The First Annual Rotary Family Festival at Florham Park, which ran from Sept. 9 to 12.
The carnival was organized by the Rotary Clubs of Madison and Florham Park, and took place next to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
According to carnival entrance worker Michael Fastiggi, there were an expected 10,000 carnival goers over the four-day weekend.
But this carnival didn’t just attract young families in the Madison and Florham Park areas. With Fairleigh Dickinson University, Drew University and The College of Saint Elizabeth all within two miles of the event, the carnival was within an easy walking distance for students. For those who wished to drive, carnival-goers could take advantage of the event’s free parking.
Attractions at the event included 24 carnival rides, which included a dragon kiddie roller coaster, a romantic and colorful ferris wheel and a wild Zero Gravity ride for those seeking a thrill.
The carnival also offered a large array of skill games. At these booths, players could win prizes such as a big fuzzy pink gorilla, huge boxes of candy or inflatable bats and guitars.
As though the games and rides weren’t enticing enough, a variety of food venues provided an array of carnival favorites like fluffy cotton candy and foot-long corndogs. Live bands, including the Beatles-influenced “British Invasion,” entertained crowds, and an extensive fireworks show took place Friday night to celebrate the start of the weekend.
Though this was the first year the Madison and Florham Park Rotary Clubs hosted such an event, Fastiggi felt optimistic for future opportunities, hoping that next summer would offer yet another carnival for local residents and students to enjoy.
The carnival was organized by the Rotary Clubs of Madison and Florham Park, and took place next to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
According to carnival entrance worker Michael Fastiggi, there were an expected 10,000 carnival goers over the four-day weekend.
But this carnival didn’t just attract young families in the Madison and Florham Park areas. With Fairleigh Dickinson University, Drew University and The College of Saint Elizabeth all within two miles of the event, the carnival was within an easy walking distance for students. For those who wished to drive, carnival-goers could take advantage of the event’s free parking.
Attractions at the event included 24 carnival rides, which included a dragon kiddie roller coaster, a romantic and colorful ferris wheel and a wild Zero Gravity ride for those seeking a thrill.
The carnival also offered a large array of skill games. At these booths, players could win prizes such as a big fuzzy pink gorilla, huge boxes of candy or inflatable bats and guitars.
As though the games and rides weren’t enticing enough, a variety of food venues provided an array of carnival favorites like fluffy cotton candy and foot-long corndogs. Live bands, including the Beatles-influenced “British Invasion,” entertained crowds, and an extensive fireworks show took place Friday night to celebrate the start of the weekend.
Though this was the first year the Madison and Florham Park Rotary Clubs hosted such an event, Fastiggi felt optimistic for future opportunities, hoping that next summer would offer yet another carnival for local residents and students to enjoy.
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