"Everyone should know the happiness of living in a town like Skippack, where an old-fashioned carnival, with bright lights, popcorn, cotton candy, and festive noise, sprouts for a short few days in summer. It reminds us that life is not all about work, decorum and responsibility. That we, children of all ages, must set aside a time and space for simple, low-cost, goofy fun. No sophistication please; it will destroy our happiness.
This morning like most, I began my day with a part-walk, part-jog through Skippack Village before work. The air was cool and the carnival rides and characters were still; they looked like statues with a sense of humor. Quiet. Eternal plastic smiles. Waiting for the children.
Tonight, in the hot summer evening, the carnival came to life. It is a small town carnival. A serenade of children’s laughter and screams. No Disney or Warner Brothers corporate branding. Just a small gathering of rides, games and concession stands.
Above one of the games, ping pong ball-toss into a pyramid of goldfish bowls, is a sign which reads “Every Bowl Is A Winner.” This is a great philosophy to live by: No matter what life hands you, you are a winner because it is good to be alive. Every bowl is a winner.
A barker gets my attention and for 5 dollars, I get three throws of the dart. Eventually, I put down five more dollars, throw seven darts, and succeed in popping three balloons. For my effort, I get a stuffed, snow-white gorilla wearing a bow-tie. I hand it to my wife, troubled recently by a severe illness in her family, and it is a moment of sweet laughter without sarcasm or irony, a moment free from worry and anxiety.
A carnival is priceless."
Calling all families! Head on over to Skippack from Wednesday thru Saturday with plenty of rides and carnival treats.
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