Olde Fashioned Carnival happening Friday
The Olde Fashioned Carnival, set for Friday, has become a popular community event and visitor attraction. The 2017 edition is shaping up to be no different.
For three jammed packed hours the lawns of the Wyatt Heritage Properties, gifted to the City of Summerside by the Foundation of the late Wanda Wyatt, is transformed into the setting of a Victorian-style carnival “that delights in its simplicity and sense of community,” says Lori Ellis, manager of Culture Summerside.
This year’s carnival is extra special in that 2017 marks the 150th anniversaries of two of the Wyatt buildings – the Wyatt Historic House and the Lefurgey Cultural Centre. John Lefurgey, the prominent Summerside shipbuilder, Colonial Government politician, and once owner of the Lefurgey, will be on hand to greet visitors to his former home which he fondly called Bonnycastle. Presented by Culture Summerside-Wyatt Heritage Properties, the carnival has no admission to the grounds, features five cent carnival games, and a tea tent that this year will serve birthday cake in honour of the two houses as well as Canada. The miniature horse rides will be back and a petting farm, Rosco the clown, the Amazing Christo Magic Show, storytelling tent, arm wresting, tug of war, Teddy Bear Clinic, carnival food, and music with Kevin Arthur and the JackTar Band will also be there offering something for all ages.
Ellis noted that it would be impossible for Culture Summerside to present the carnival if it were not for the many volunteers in the community who come forward to transform themselves into carnival barkers operating their games, running the tea tent, cooking the hotdogs, making the cotton candy and popcorn, and overseeing the prize tent.
“Their gift of time and talent radiates far beyond the event itself in the making of lasting memories. The atmosphere on carnival day is one of pure fun and participation,” said Ellis.
The carnival runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 23. Wyatt Heritage Properties is located at the corner of Granville and Prince Streets in Summerside.