Clinton County Carnival Returns to Flemington for Four Days of Excitement April 30-May 3

By Emily Wright

FLEMINGTON — The Clinton County Carnival is set to bring four days of community fun to Flemington this week, celebrating its fifth annual event at the Goodwill Hose Company Fire Grounds on Canal Street, next to the Red Eye Center.

The Clinton County Carnival, sponsored by the Flemington Hi Neighbor Committee, Mill Hall Kiwanis Club, and the Goodwill Hose Company of Flemington, will take place from Wednesday, April 30, through Saturday, May 3, 2025. The carnival will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking for the carnival will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on local streets and in nearby parking lots open to the public.

Children can look forward to the return of rides provided by Bartlebaugh Amusements of Centre County. Carnival-goers will have the option to purchase either individual ride tickets or all-you-can-ride armbands.

Food at this year’s event will be prepared by the three organizations hosting the carnival, offering attendees a variety of carnival food favorites, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteak fries, hot dogs, fries, deep-fried Oreos, pizza, hot sausages, funnel cakes, an assortment of beverages, and more.

The Record spoke with Dan Baker, president of the Flemington Hi Neighbor Committee, who said that the partnership between the three nonprofit groups has been essential to the carnival’s continued success. “The three of us grouped up because, like a lot of other places, there was a lack of volunteers to help,” Baker explained. “With three different groups, we have the manpower to support it.”

The Clinton County Carnival first took place in 2019 but was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned in 2022, making this year’s carnival the fifth to be hosted in Flemington.

According to Baker, planning for the carnival usually begins in January, with the sponsoring organizations meeting early in the year to organize and coordinate details. Meetings continue throughout the spring to coordinate with Bartlebaugh Amusements, secure property easements, and finalize the food offerings.

All event organizers are volunteers from the three sponsoring nonprofits. Proceeds from the carnival are split three ways, supporting local initiatives through each of the organizations. For the Flemington Hi Neighbor Committee, these funds support the annual Easter egg hunt, Hometown Heroes banners to honor veterans and those who have served the community, provide disaster relief to residents in need, and even fund scholarships. “We put it directly back into the Flemington community,” Baker said. “That’s what the Flemington Hi Neighbor Committee is all about.”

Flemington Goodwill Hose Company uses the proceeds for equipment and other station needs, while the Mill Hall Kiwanis Club channels the proceeds to charitable projects and service activities that benefit local children, youth, and families.

Volunteer help is always needed, and Baker encourages anyone who is interested in lending a hand to get involved. “Every organization is always looking for a volunteer,” he said. “We never turn anybody down that wants to volunteer to help out.” Interested volunteers can contact Dan Baker directly at 570-772-5558.

In a recent post on the organization’s Facebook page, the Flemington Hi Neighbor Committee extended an invite to community members to come out and enjoy this year’s carnival: “Join us for four days packed with delicious food, thrilling rides, and endless family fun! There’s something for everyone, so gather your friends and family and come enjoy the festivities. Don’t miss out on this amazing event—mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable experience at the carnival! We can’t wait to see you there!”