Board Says No to Carnival, Tell Us What You Think

WILMINGTON, MA - The Fourth of July Committee’s proposal to bring the annual carnival this year back to the Town Common has failed.

Committee members went before the Board of Appeals Wednesday night in the hopes of bringing the carnival back to the area and having it in the parking lot next to the Fourth of July building. The board voted 3-1 with one abstention killing any plans for bringing the annual event back to where it all began. The three members to vote yes were Charles Boyle, Anthony Barletta and Thomas Siracusa. Board of Appeals member Daniel Veerman voted in the no, while Ed Loud abstained due to a conflict of interest.

The carnival helps the committee generate the funds needed for the annual fireworks display. Right now it’s unclear what the next steps are for the committee with regard to the 2016 Wilmington Fun on the Fourth events.

Residents took to social media in droves following the decision expressing their dismay at the decision.

This isn’t the first time committee members made a recommendation to have the carnival in that location and have it be shot down.

In 2013, the five-member Board of Appeals denied a special permit needed for the carnival to take place that year. Due to the construction of the new high school, the Fourth of July Committee put forth plan to hold the carnival in the parking lot adjacent to the Fourth of July Building. The board denied that request, too citing concerns from abutters about late hours, bright lights and loud noise.

In 2014, the decades old traditional town fireworks and Fun on the Fourth activities were canceled following a vote of the Board of Selectmen due to concerns about the roof of the then brand new high school and new athletic fields.

Tell us what you think about this decision. How do you feel about the carnival not coming home this year?