Hickory Hills’ seventh annual carnival will be here this weekend for local families and friends to partake in the city’s final stretch for a sunny summer-ending hurrah.
Angel Sanchez, the Hickory Hills Park District Recreation Manager for the past 12 years, and his dedicated team members have been tirelessly curating diverse activities for everyone to enjoy at this year’s carnival.
Their efforts over the past seven years ensure a variety of options that excite everyone. “We plan for the carnival years in advance, discussing improvements we can make each year to enhance the experience for the following year,” Sanchez said. “We host the carnival, and our carnival company (All Around Amusement) provides the events’ rides and staffing.”
This year’s carnival festivities will last four fun-filled days, from Thursday, August 22, until Sunday, August 25, at Kasey Meadow Park & Cynthia Neal Center, located at 8047 W. 91st Place.
Sanchez has put a special emphasis on the carnival’s inclusivity, with the Special Needs Day on Thursday, August 22. This day is designed to be fully accessible to any participant with special needs, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy the carnival with their family and making everyone feel welcomed and included.
Special Needs Day runs from 3-5 p.m., with rides accessible to participants and their families. It’s open to the public after that.
Tickets are now available for presale on the Hickory Hills Park District website. Purchasing in advance not only secures your spot but also saves you money.
“We offer Mega passes, which allow unlimited access to all rides for all four carnival days, at a discounted pre-sale price of $63 or $60 (if paid in cash) until Wednesday, August 21,” said Sanchez.
After this day, Mega passes will be available at the carnival for $70. Single-day passes will also be available, allowing access to all rides on a specific carnival day. These can be purchased as daily individual tickets at the carnival for $40 per person per day. They will also offer a daily ride ticket for sale each day: 1 ticket for $1.25, 8 tickets for $10, 16 tickets for $20, and 27 tickets for $30. Rides will take 3-5 tickets.
Folks will have access to four days of music, carnival rides, a plethora of food vendors, and mingling among community members and familiar faces.
As a safety precaution, Sanchez said, “For the safety of all participants, we do not allow pets at our parks, and this special event is no different. We kindly ask everyone in attendance to act accordingly during the carnival and follow all the guidelines in place to have a safe and fun environment.”
Attendees are not allowed and asked not to bring any bikes or electric scooters to be driven or on during the carnival. Sanchez said attendees are requested to refrain from using inappropriate language around others during the carnival; anyone violating these or any of the rules at the carnival can be subject to ejection or removal from the carnival.
“We hope that residents enjoy a friendly and safe environment when attending our carnival,” Sanchez said. “We work hard to provide a family event that is fun to attend but also safe. We also work hard with our local police department to provide us with support during our special events and take pride in the hard work and service they provide to our community.”