What You're Saying About the Carrolltown Carnival

A recent article about the carnival in the back lot of Carrolltown Center met with a variety of responses from readers.

Here's a sampling of what people said on Facebook and in the comments section. You're welcome to add your own thoughts below.

The original article can be found here.

Pam Shuman:

"I can not believe this carnival was approved! It is literally in people's backyards, across from an Elementary school and in a run down "shopping" center that the owners continue to neglect! And to top it off - NONE of the money is going to our own community!! I will NOT be attending and I know of many others in the community who feel the same way."

Cheyenne: 

"I live at carrolltown village and I go to the bus stop there. How does this help us out. How will I sleep at night."

Dani Schuman:

"I am appalled that this carnival is occurring so close to school and homes and is not in any way a benefit to our community. My family will not be attending and I am frustrated and sad that the noise, traffic, crowds, etc. are something that we will have to deal with for over a week!"

Kathi Roach:

"This carnival has brought into light the county ordinance that allows carnivals to take place on private property (including mall parking lots) as long as they don't exceed 10 days, are to support a non-profit, and are more than 30 days after the previous carnival. Some people are okay with that. Many are not. If random carnivals all over the county are what floats your boat, then go support them. If they aren't, then email Doug Howard and ask him to help change this ordinance. Otherwise, Carrolltown Mall and any other mall that wants to make money by leasing out their parking lots to carnivals will continue to do so. As it stands now, Carrolltown Mall could hold a carnival every 31 days."

Eric Champion:

"I support the company's right to hold carnivals within the scope of the law, though I agree that there needs to be more community input into the approval process. I don't think there should be restrictions placed into the law on the number of such events (any such changes could impact charitable functions at schools and churches in the county)."

Mary Ellen O'Neill:

"We need to be notified of things to be part of a planning process. FACC was not told - the commissioners, sherrifs dept didn't even know! Mall = parking lot; not a carnival with people milling about. I have NO problem with more than one carnival; I'd just like the chance to voice concerns over location."

Cheryl: 

"Unfortunately, no one knew about the carnival or the permits until the carnival equipment arrived on Wednesday night. Had we have known in advance, we would have worked together to try and stop it! Now that we are aware of this, and now understand the zoning regulations, we are prepared!"

Truefish:

"I live on 97 near Century and think the carnival is of no value to the community. I work. I have children."

Tiptop:

"There is nothing wrong with this happening, when you bought your house, you knew there was a mall next door. Why can't this area have more than 1 carnival? And why should you give approval?"

Maria:

"There are many carnivals that support the local community in the coming weeks. I plan on NOT spending my hard earned dollars at a carnival that is too close to schools, near a run down mall and does not even support our community. I say stay away and I know my friends and neighbors are doing the same."

Jenny Lai:

"Saw it in the parking lot the other day and was shocked! This is awesome!"