New Rides Coming to Hatboro Carnival

Amusement rides, games, food, fireworks.

The makings of a good time are coming to the borough next month as part of the eighth annual Hatboro Summer Fun Festival and Carnival, which kicks off a week earlier this year, according to event organizer Bill George of Pennypack Entertainment.

After salvaging about four days of last year's soggy nine-day carnival, George said organizers opted to "move it up a week and shorten it down" to a seven-day event spanning May 21 through May 27 (Memorial Day). 

"There's a whole bunch of new stuff," George said of the brand-new ticket boxes, a reworked Scrambler set to return after a five-year absence and a new Roundup ride.

"We spent a lot of money this past winter on equipment," George said. "Everything’s coming out with a fresh coat of paint."

In all, George said 18-20 rides, along with games and various food vendors, will fill Miller Meadow, which is located at Horsham and York roads. Local bands, performers, DJs, as well as the annual Hatboro's Got Talent contest are also planned. Fireworks are slated for May 24.

On good years, George said the carnival typically rakes in $40,000. In years past, the proceeds were disbursed among a half dozen borough organizations. However, this year, the Enterprise Fire Co. and Elm Street Hatboro will be the sole beneficiaries, he said.

"The other organizations have decided to opt out of it," George said. 

Enterprise Fire Chief Keith Gordon said proceeds would be routed into the company's auxiliary fund. Gordon said he was not sure how the monies would be spent. 

As for Elm Street, the main organization behind the newly made-over Tanner Park, volunteer John Farnen said the group had not yet narrowed its scope.

"Other playgrounds in the area need lots of work and added playground equipment," Farnen said. "We have not lost sight of the needs of kids at this juncture."

For more information

The Hatboro Summer Fun Festival and Carnival will be held May 21 through May 27 at Miller Meadow, Horsham and York roads in Hatboro. Admission is $2 per night or $5 for a week-long pass for adults; $1 per night or $3 for a week-long pass for students. Children under 12 are admitted free, as are all military, EMS, fire and police and their families.

For additional information visit www.hatboro-pa.com/carnival.