Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo invites you to consume thousands of empty calories, stare at carnival geeks and see a two-headed raccoon at the Annual Essex County Carnival, which runs Wednesday through Sunday at the corner of Northfield Ave. and Cherry Lane in West Orange.
Oh wait, that's not quite how he puts it. "The Essex County Carnival is a wonderful event for children and families," DiVincenzo says in the official press release. "It mixes educational demonstrations about gardening, nutrition and nature with the excitement and thrills of carnival rides and games."
Admission is $4 per person, or $30 for a one-day unlimited-ride pass. Full press release (including the beneficiaries of the carnival) after the jump.
EXPERIENCE THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT OF THE ESSEX COUNTY CARNIVAL
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo, UNICO National and West Orange
High School Athletic Booster Club Invite Public to Five-Day Event
To Benefit Essex County Parks, Charities and ScholarshipsWest Orange, NJ - Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the Orange-West Orange Chapter of UNICO National and the West Orange High School Athletic Booster Club invite people of all ages to experience the fun and excitement of the Annual Essex County Carnival. Get your heart racing on thrilling rides, test your skill at carnival games, learn about nature and enjoy tasty treats. The Annual Essex County Carnival will be held as follows:
Dates and Times: Wednesday, May 14th, 5 to 10 p.m.
Thursday, May 15th, 5 to 10 p.m.
Friday, May 16th, 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 17h, 1 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 18th, 1 to 8 p.m.Place:Essex County South Mountain Reservation
Corner of Northfield Avenue and Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJConvenient and ample parking is available at the
Essex County Park-N-Ride Facility, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange."The Essex County Carnival is a wonderful event for children and families. It mixes educational demonstrations about gardening, nutrition and nature with the excitement and thrills of carnival rides and games," DiVincenzo said. "This is the ultimate community event that everyone can enjoy," he added.
The Essex County Carnival benefits the Essex County Parks Foundation, Orange-West Orange UNICO and West Orange High School Athletic Booster Club. Proceeds are used to improve the Essex County Park System, provide scholarships to students and support local charities, including the West Orange First Aid Squad, Occupational Center, Saint Barnabas Burn Center and Project Graduation at WOHS.
The Essex County Parks Foundation was formed as the Essex County Parks Centennial Committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Essex County Parks System in 1995. After that event, it changed its name and focus and now raises money to help revitalize the Park System.
UNICO is a non-profit service organization comprised of American citizens of Italian ancestry whose motto is "Service Above Self." UNICO supports the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research; supports Cooley's Anemia Research by providing grants to hospitals, including St. Jude Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital in Philadelphia; supports the Special Olympics and established Italian Studies Chairs at three universities, including Seton Hall and Montclair State.
The West Orange High School Booster Club was organized over 20 years ago and has provided scholarships to graduating high school seniors and gifts to the WOHS athletic program. Its coaches, administrators, alumni and volunteers run the game trailers and the refreshment and ticket booths.
Admission is $4; free for children ages 5 and under. Visitors must purchase a bracelet to receive unlimited access to every ride (height restrictions may apply). Bracelets will be sold for $30 and are good for one night only.
This giant horse will devour us all!