Traveling fair hits Milledgeville, attracts many
The relocation of the annual Paradise Amusements fair to the Milledgeville Mall resulted in double the attendance – and some would say excitement – from last year.
The Sept. 15 arrival of the traveling event drew in fair-goers, young and old, regardless of the inclement weather. Despite the wet forecast, the location change from Walter B. Williams Park to the Milledgeville Mall attracted “more visitors than last year,” two-year Paradise Amusements employee Alejandre Ramirez said.
The Milledgeville Mall Offices hosted this year’s Paradise Amusements event, which wrapped up this past Sunday. However, surrounding businesses, such as Ruby Tuesday and Margaritas, did not pick up windfall from the success of the fair. Ruby Tuesday’s manager Robert Thompson noted that “little to no change in amount of business” made him indifferent to the fair’s location for next year.
The inner-child in many GCSU students came out as they discovered Paradise Amusements’ arrival in Milledgeville. Among them, junior Dana Peterson appeared quite enthused.
“I was driving to Big Lots when I saw the Ferris wheel from afar,” Peterson said. “I couldn’t contain the excitement. I called all my friends.”
Not all college students found the fair to be a thrilling attraction. Sophomore Brittney Hearn said she “didn’t trust” carnival rides that may be assembled and disassembled in such short time.
“My mom would kill me if she knew I was here,” Hearn said.
The rides ranged from “Wipe Out” – a spinning, high-intensity ride for the dare devils – to the classic “Big Slide” for all ages to enjoy. In total, there were 14 rides and several games, providing something fun for everyone.
Ramirez said he found Milledgeville to be an enjoyable atmosphere. As the ticket-taker for “Wipe Out,” he was happy to report that no one had “gotten sick” on his ride, although he recognized it was “very scary.”
Nightly ticket specials were available, including a wristband for unlimited, all-day ride access, and along with operating hours of 5:30-11 p.m., it was quite a family-friendly event.
“I think the fair had a very positive effect on Milledgeville. It was awesome. Anyone who didn’t experience this fair definitely missed out,” Peterson said. “I can’t wait to go next year.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 25 2009. Filed under News.
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