By Meghan Savona, Opinions Editor
For a few days every summer, bright lights, carnival rides and a Ferris wheel decorate the soundside in Nags Head. Typically, only bugs can be heard buzzing at dusk, but when the Soundside FunFair is in town, carnival music and happy screams of children are heard instead.
Anticipated by adults and children alike, the FunFair — known better as simply “the carnival” — will be returning from June 14-20 to the same location as the last two years: to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. The third annual FunFair is sponsored by the Children and Youth Partnership (CYP) for Dare County and will be open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event doubles as a fundraiser for CYP, so attending also supports a local foundation.
When originally introduced, the FunFair drew immediate crowds; many kids had never been to a carnival before. People of all ages decided to check out what it had to offer and it’s been a hit since. After work, high schoolers stop by and hop on a ride and snack on funnel cake. Younger kids take to the carnival when the sun goes down and everyone leaves the beach, and parents take their toddlers to walk around. With something for all ages, the FunFair has become an event that people look forward to every summer.
“The carnival is something that my friends and I try to go to a couple times every summer. It’s nice because one night you can ride rides and another you can eat food and play games,” junior Stanton Dodson said. “I brought my younger brother and his friend last year, too, and they loved it.”
With activities such as the bottle toss to gravity-defying rides, all ages will love the FunFair. Even if games aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of deep-fried foods and cotton candy to keep anyone busy. While entry into the FunFair is free, discounts for all-you-can-ride wristbands can be purchased until June 7 at the CYP building in Manteo.
These vouchers provide the customer with a 20 percent discount for all-you-can-ride wristbands for any night of the fair. Full-priced wristbands are available for purchase for $25 any night of the fair. Stop by the CYP building at 534 Ananias Dare St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday to save $5.
“It’s the same carnival company again this year,” CYP coordinator Cindy Madison said. “I’m looking forward to everyone having a fun and safe time and enjoying the carnival.”
Because parking is limited, shuttle busses provided by Dare County Schools will be running to and from off-site parking at Nags Head Elementary School and the Town of Nags Head Municipal Complex.
Senior Meghan Savona can be reached at savoname0701@daretolearn.org.
