If there’s one place where everybody can find something enjoyable to do, it is at local festivals and fairs. This weekend, Burlington celebrated its annual Carousel Festival in the community park.

“It’s one of those things that people in Burlington do every year,” said junior Mandy Padgett, who grew up in Burlington. “There’s food, crafts, booths and sometimes good live music too.”

Calling the festival one of the “staples of Burlington,” Padgett described it as a “showcase of what Burlington has.”

The festival proved that Burlington and its residents have a lot to exhibit. There were bouncy castles, booths for local organizations, craft stands, food stands, shop stands and rides.

Some rarities showcased around the park included a sand sculptor who worked all day transforming pounds of sand into art, and a pirate, complete with parrots perched atop his shoulders, doing magic tricks to entertain festival-goers.

Many families came with their children to enjoy the weather, rides and entertainment throughout the park. The two most popular rides were the train ride around the park and the carousel, which is nearly 100 years old.

While festival food is not always the healthiest choice, there’s something about blooming onions and funnel cakes that make festivals that much better.

The main stage typically featured country music from both local and national bands that soothed the crowd. This year, national recording artist Whiskey Falls was the main attraction on the stage.

The festival serves as a place where children and parents can create memories together. Parents who grew up in the area feel a sense of nostalgia while they watch their kids enjoy the rides and eat the food that they grew up loving.

“There was this one dark enclosed tunnel section on the train tracks,” Padgett said. “We always used to scream when we went through it as kids.”

By the end of the weekend, festival-goers were satisfied with new trinkets to place around the house, a couple extra pounds from all the food and another Carousel Festival to look back on and smile.

Reporter: David Koontz - 09/19/07