A popular spring attraction has been nixed by Bensalem Township following past incidents of unruly attendee behavior.
The Neshaminy Mall Carnival, organized by Dreamland Amusements and featuring rides, snacks and more, is not returning for 2024. Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo made the decision after consulting with Bensalem Police and Building & Planning, with all parties in agreement that it would pose a threat to public safety.
At last year’s event, police dealt with what they called a night of “unacceptable activity on and around the carnival grounds.” In response to a post about the situation on the Bensalem Police Facebook page, commenters reflected on witnessing fights, physical assaults by teenagers (most of whom were from outside of the township) and other happenings that didn’t belong in a family-friendly atmosphere.
After the disastrous opening night for the carnival’s 2023 run, police implemented a number of rules, including an earlier closing time of 10 p.m., and the requirement that every juvenile under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them.
Rather than risk similar occurrences this year, DiGirolamo decided to pull the plug on the carnival and not re-issue an operating license to Dreamland Amusements.
Some residents understand the reasoning behind his decision, and are happy that the event is being discontinued, at least for this year. On Facebook, one Bensalem resident said, “The last few years have been multiple fights, several with knives and guns. The kids were threatened and not able to enjoy themselves and yes, it’s probably a limited few punks that ruined it for everybody, but I don’t need my children in harm’s way for something that should be simple and fun, especially not with the prices that they’re paying.”
On the other hand, some are expressing their displeasure that a long-held tradition is going away. One local took to Facebook, urging community members who feel the same to contact DiGirolamo’s office with their complaints.
For anyone in Bensalem who still wants to enjoy some amusements this spring, they can do so if they’re willing to travel about 20 minutes. Dreamland is operating the Levittown Carnival, sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, from May 23-27.
