SUMMER CARNIVAL

A STORY for Introverts:

Closed-toed shoes, check. Fanny pack with functional zipper and enough space to stash all my items, check. The ticket booth accepts debit cards, check. Rain clouds looming close but not too close for atmosphere and the perfect temperature, check. The list isn’t long, but it’s terribly important that conditions are flawless, especially for an outing like this.

A week before, I had driven past the mall around dusk, and the flashing rainbow lights caught me off guard. Peeking over the hill, I saw twirling, whirling, shining rides silhouetted by a dark sky. Had the light I stopped at turned green, I would’ve been honked at because I was lost in a carnival fantasy. One week later, I floated into that fantasy.

I park my car in a spot facing the carnival to soak it in. I’m not sure why, but there’s an overwhelming nostalgia here. I can feel a bittersweet 80s moment creeping up on me. You might think Grease or the fourth season of American Horror Story when I say “carnival”, but I can’t shake Stranger Things. Whether this adventure will bring me music or mayhem, I’m all in.

The first ride you take in a place like this will set the tone for the night, so I know I should have a strategy. Then again, flying by the seat of my pants is more my style. My feet seem comfortable steering this ship, which is great because my eyes are all over the place. Bright-colored banners and flashing bulbs keep the air purple and green like they’ve brought their own technicolored mist. Popcorn, pizza, cotton candy, and, the best carnival food ever, funnel cakes sweeten each breath. My nose can taste powdered sugar. Better than the rainbows and sugar combined is the glee pouring from every single smile. I reread that last sentence, and you’re right, it’s heckin’ cheesy. It’s also the facts.

Beyond the ticket booth, I find it waiting for me. The metal gate is obediently propped open because it knows I’m here. My ascension up the grand metal staircase works in slow motion. I have time to trace the scuffed diamonds etched into every step with my eyes. The chipped yellow paint directs me toward my glorious destiny. My pounding heart kicks like an untamed stallion, for I’m about to ride ZERO GRAVITY.

Okay, so that was a lot. But roller coasters and carnival rides are my thing, so humor me.

This is one of those rides that moves so fast you’re pinned to the wall. My favorite. It’s an open-top cylinder that spins and rises and tilts and so on. A couple of spots near the entrance are already occupied, so I situate myself with the best view of this ominous sky. Even when more spots start filling up, I can’t keep the mega smile off my face. I can feel the giddy space cadet in my chest giggling, ready for take-off. That sky is dancing, and I want to get up there to dance with it. By the time we’re turning, I’m in ecstasy.

The rest of the rides feel like this. I lose myself in chaotic laughter, flying hair, drunken belly butterflies, the occasional scream, and the shiny lights. I wander in amazement, sit with my anticipation, then cackle like a witch when my seat flies out from under me. Considering this is such a kid-friendly event, I’m reluctant to equate this experience with drug use, but it’s hard not to.

Here’s a ride with a name I can’t quite read, and by all accounts it looks humdrum. Two-seater cars connect in a circle that spins with a few ups and downs; how fun could it really be? I spent a not small amount of money to come in here and ride as much as I could, so despite the shaky voice in my head I march up the ramp and jump into a seat. This is why we take chances in life. You’ll never find the best ride in the park if you don’t risk a little.

My hip slams into the side of the car, and the force pins me there. Every bump launches me into the safety bar which throws me back into the stiff fiberglass beneath me. My bonier areas will bruise, but I’m hollering like a moron. So is everyone else. This ride is mocking us, but we love it. It’s tossing us like rag dolls, but I feel alive. Cold air swarms my face and buildings blur into blues and browns. It’s this rush that makes it so fun. Under any other circumstances, I would cringe at the thought of sitting on this soggy, unclean bench, but not today. As I notice the expressions on everyone in the other cars, it hits me. This is an uncommon slice of silly fun for adults. We’re all letting go and finally playing. This kind of indescribable happiness is what we crave in everyday life.

Just-So-You-Know DETAILS:

For less than two weeks each summer, this carnival pulls up to the Aurora Mall, or the Town Center at Aurora if you want to be formal. That’s all you get, ten days. On the weekends they’re open from noon to midnight, but weekdays are evenings only. Chances are, two or three hours will be plenty of time to catch all the good rides a few times. I have to warn you, as a solo adventurer, a couple of rides I found wouldn’t allow single passengers. On the plus side, I don’t think I missed out on those.

My choice was paying $1 for each ticket, mind you every ride was between three and six tickets, or paying $35 for unlimited tickets. I chose the latter and didn’t regret it for a moment. I got my money’s worth on about eight rides, some of them more than once. Of course, there are plenty of carnival games and trashy food to spend extra money on too.

The GIST – Should You Visit the Summer Carnival?

I didn’t partake in any games or food to keep the adventure a low-cost excursion. I’m sure the games were fun, although rigged, and expensive, and the food was without a doubt mildly tasty, giving you diarrhea, and also expensive. Still, it’s part of the experience, and the only thing I plan on changing next year is bringing several extra dollars to chow down on one or two funnel cakes.

Like every other similar attraction, this was probably overpriced, but I base that on what other people say. For me, that feeling of soaring through the sky on a flying saucer is priceless. Feeling like a carefree kid skipping through crowds and tacky lights to the next gut-wrenching ride is exhilarating. Everything here is fleeting and outlined in dirt and grime, but that’s childhood. I guess this kind of thing is for us kids at heart.

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The Aurora events page is the best place to find upcoming dates for future carnivals.

If you like outdoor spaces, read my previous article about Green-Wood Cemetery.