Travelling theme park brings excitement to region

THE carnival is in town! And whether you love a dodgem car and a dagwood dog, or you’re a hardcore adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone.

Twenty rides catering for all ages, showbags, a new, wheelchair accessible ferris wheel and all the fun of the fair that has been greatly missed is back for two long weekends, starting today.

Chants Summer Carnival has chosen Waurn Ponds as its first destination out of lockdown, and owner-operators Chippa and Cassie Chant couldn’t be more excited to be back.

The Chants have a long family history in the industry, with Chippa’s parents and grandparents involved in shows and carnivals, and Cassie’s family bringing travelling boxing tents to towns.

They have five children who are also involved in their travelling theme park, with COVID impacting the whole family when restrictions started in 2020.

Chippa said their multi-million-dollar ferris wheel arrived from the Netherlands last year and three days later Australia went into lockdown.

“Our business was one of the first to stop and one of the last to start again. It’s been extremely tough and showed us how quickly things can be taken away,” he said.

“Mentally it’s really good for us to be back; everyone should have a really good time.

“The ferris wheel is 40 metres high, the lighting is fantastic and most importantly all 26 gondolas are wheelchair accessible.

“We like to look at our ferris wheel as our jewel in the crown; it’s a show on its own and people love getting in photos with it.

“There are about 20 rides, the pirate ship and a mini one for toddlers, the Rock’n’Roll, The Extreme, The Freestyle, jumping castle, dodgem cars; something for all ages.”

All the favourite carnival foods will be available from donuts to sour liquorice, along with a huge selection of showbags featuring the most popular themes and characters.

Chants’ travelling theme park is set up next to the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, featuring the quality rides that you’ll find at the Melbourne Show and Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

The carnival will be open Thursday to Sunday for the next two weekends – enjoy!