The first annual Spring Fling Carnival presented by the Village of South Jacksonville, Prairieland Heritage Museum, and the Four Rivers Special Education District was a large success.
South Jacksonville Police Chief Eric Hansell said during last Thursday’s Village board meeting that the kids who attended really enjoyed the small carnival and were fascinated by the village’s fire truck and new police squad car that made appearances at the carnival.
Village Carnival Committee Chair Paula Belobradjic-Stewart says that nothing but positive reviews have come in from everyone involved. She said during the meeting that it was one of the easiest events that she had ever help set up and organize.
She says if people liked this first outing to stay tuned: “We are definitely already looking at expanding the carnival. We had 6 rides this year. We weren’t sure what to expect. It was all put together very quickly and that’s not usually the way we plan events with the village. We are looking at doubling and possibly even more than doubling next year with 15 rides. We’re looking to bring in a ferris wheel, some carnival games, and Prairieland is also talking about incorporating maybe their train and one of their other attractions they have for kids. We are looking at making it the South Jacksonville Celebration, as well. This first time, if people enjoyed it, stay tuned because it’s going to be bigger and better. That’s our plan – to grow it and have more people to be able to enjoy more things at our carnival.”
Other ideas are possibly bringing a petting zoo to incorporate more of the Prairieland grounds and possibly adding more concession options.
The Village Board thanked the Village of South Jacksonville Police, Fire, and Utility departments for their presence and work on the event. They also thanked the volunteers with the Citizen’s Police Academy and volunteers with the Prairieland Heritage Museum for their assistance, as well.
Work and ideas on next year’s event will begin in December.