Lions to bring carnival back to town

By Deborah Rose

After a short hiatus, the New Milford Lions Club Carnival is back.

The popular event rooted in town history will return – this time at a new location – July 25-27.

The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. each day at John Pettibone Community Center on Pickett District Road.

“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s going to be worth it,” Matt Roache, president of the Lions Club, said of the time put into organizing the event.

Twenty carnival trucks from R.W. Commerford & Sons of Goshen will deliver rides to the JPCC property.

Rides, games, carnival food, food trucks, ice cream and more will be offered in the south portion of the front parking lot at the JPCC.

The carnival is a “huge attraction, with the rides and lights on,” Roache said. “It’s a fun night out.”

Longtime Lion Jack Leahy said he looks forward to the carnival atmosphere and what the event will bring to residents and visitors.

“Having the carnival, especially after missing it for a few years, is a big deal for us,” Leahy, who is Lions treasurer, said. 

“Anything that involves children and laughter is always a home run,” he said.

The carnival is co-sponsored by the Town of New Milford. 

Admission is free, but ride tickets are required.

Roache said it makes him “feel good” to be a part of bringing the carnival back to town, along with Mayor Pete Bass’ support. 

“I grew up in town and my parents always brought me to the carnival the Lions put on,” he recalled.

The carnival has been around for decades, initially presented by the former Jaycees in town. But the Lions took it over more than 20 years ago. It has been on hold since COVID.

Leahy and Roache emphasized the importance of the carnival.

It is the club’s biggest fundraiser that supports Lions programs, such as the club’s eyeglass recycling program, as well as community projects such as the town’s fuel bank, scholarships and senior citizen activities.

“So, this event is important to us,” Leahy said of the carnival and its success.