Carnival ponies up for Lynn fireworks

LYNN – Fiesta Shows opens its carnival today at Lynn English High School, marking the start of the event with a $5,000 contribution to the city’s July 4 fireworks display.”It’s a great way to kick off the summer,” said City Council Vice President Richard Ford. “With the schools just closing, there’s usually so much negativity. But this is a way to have some fun with families.”According to Ford, Fiesta Shows donated $5,000 toward the approximately $40,000 that the city needs for the Independence Day fireworks display off Red Rock Park. “It’s the largest donation that we get for the fireworks. We also have a golf tournament and there are some businesses that help by holding fundraisers, but this one from Fiesta Shows is a big one,” he said. “Finding enough money to hold the fireworks is always a hustle and this year, with the way the economy is, it’s even harder.”Ford said the Police Department will have detail officers stationed at the carnival as well as members of the Gang Unit. Probation officers from the local office are also expected to attend and mingle with the crowd, he said, adding, “The police have always been excellent through the years. They’ll be there at the parking lots and in the carnival to ensure the safety of everybody attending. We don’t want any trouble and we don’t expect any,” he said.The Fire Department is also sending people for the fire tent where they’ll have fire safety demonstrations and hand out balloons and fire hats,” he said. “I’m glad to see the local participation. I even heard from a couple of colleges that want to set up information booths and I put them in touch with Gene Dean and the other people running the show.”The carnival is from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.