NORTH COVENTRY >> Coventry Mall is welcoming its first carnival in years and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“What better way to have some fun than to have a Memorial Day carnival,” said Steve Batten, mall manager and marketing director for Pennmark at Coventry Management Company, Inc.
The event was brought to the Coventry Mall, 351 W. Schuylkill Rd. (Route 724), after another location had cancelled last minute, according to Batten. The mall took the opening as an opportunity to revitalize the shopping area.
“They had a last-minute cancellation and we reached out in order to save the show,” Batten explained. “It was supposed to be in Reading but they had some storm damage and couldn’t hold it. They’re a local company and it made a lot of sense. We did it to bring some life back into the mall and show that we are trying to do something different. It will also bring a cool service and a lot of fun back to this area.”
The mall will be hosting the carnival as part of the Coventry Mall Spring Fling with the help of Bartlebaugh Amusements, an entertainment company based in State College, Pa.
“It’s a collaborative thing between the mall, Bartlebaugh and the township. When you do this you need cooperation from everyone and it’s been nothing but cooperation. They’re a class act, they’re professional. You couldn’t ask for a better partner. The township has also been awesome to work with. It’s a breath of fresh air for us here at the mall. You work with a lot of different people and to have a partner like them is just amazing,” Batten said.
The event will feature all the carnival accoutrements including rides, games, food and live entertainment.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and will remain open on those days until 10 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday gates will open at noon. Guests can purchase single tickets for rides for $1 each as well as 25 ticket for $20 or 70 tickets for $50. Wristbands will also be available for purchase for $20 each and will allow guests access to unlimited rides during specific times.
Norco Fire Company will be assisting with parking which will be available behind Sears and Boscov’s.
“I have no doubt that it will be successful,” said Batten about his expectations. “We’ll be talking about renewing it and doing it next year. We may make it larger if it’s successful.”
For more information on the Coventry Mall carnival, visit www.coventrymall.bartshow.com.
