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The City of Linden will officially kick-off the summer with its Summer Carnival from June7-9 at ChiLLy Fest Park. Armbands will be available starting June 4 at city hall and can also be purchased at the gate of the festival.

According to Events Coordinator Bruce Ward, the carnival will open at 6 p.m. and will close around 10 or 10:30 p.m. depending on crowd size. The event will fill the entire park and then some.

“It will fill up all of ChiLLy Fest Park and some of the elementary grounds, as well,” Ward said.

The carnival will have traditional carnival food, games and rides. Past rides have included the Gravatron, the Ferris Wheel, the Cyclone Swings, the Merry Go Round and kiddie rides for small children. Ward said that residents from all over the county will find something fun.

“It’s not only a Linden thing. We want the whole county to come out and enjoy it,” Ward said.

While much of the Summer Carnival remains unchanged, Ward said that the biggest difference from year to year is the growing popularity. Past carnivals have seen around 500 visitors per day, with Saturday being the busiest day.

“People come out and really enjoy it. I think that’s grown over the years,” he said.

Ward said that carnival-goers only need to keep one thing in mind.

“We want everyone in this whole county and area to come out and enjoy and just have a great summer.”

Armbands are only good for one day and can only be used for rides. They can be purchased for $15 at city hall or $20 at the gate. C&M Southern Midways will be bringing the carnival to Linden.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, May 16 issue of the Demopolis Times.)