By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The much anticipated Needham Carnival returned to Needham High School this past weekend for the sixth time, running from Thursday, July 20th through Sunday, July 23rd. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, Needhamites filed in to enjoy all this amazing carnival had to offer.
Despite some heavy rain and strong heat waves, the overall weather for this event could not have been more perfect, especially during the night time. Carnival-goers were seen smiling from ear to ear, with little ones laughing and running around.
The Needham Carnival was available to all the public with no admission fee and included a variety of kiddie rides, thrill rides, games, and food. No matter what age you were, there was a little something for everyone.
Upon arrival, it seemed that most gravitated towards the very famous Ferris Wheel. Kiddos also seemed to love the Train Station in which there was always a line to get on. Parents and loved ones stood outside each ride, snapping pictures and recording videos of their children having the time of their lives.
Ted Shaughnessy, the head honcho of the Needham Carnival, along with other Rotary Club members, walked around the event making sure everyone was having a safe and happy time. One member stated that she has been a Needhamite her whole life and grew up with these types of carnivals. She mentioned that while it used to be down below the hill, Shaughnessy brought it back up to its current spot for better convenience to all.
She continued to state, “As a lifelong Needhamite, I am extremely happy to be working here. Over the years, you see kids come and go, and down the road, you see them come back with their own children. There were a couple of years that we couldn’t do the event because of Covid, so we are so thrilled to have it all back to normal. It seems to be like a relief to not only myself but to all living within Needham.”
Summer events like these are a great way to get families and friends out and about and to really bring the community together. It can be said with ease that all look forward to next year’s carnival here in Needham.
For information about the Rotary Club and the different events that they run, please visit their website at www.needhamrotaryclub.org.
