What better way to kick off summer than at the sixth annual Deep River Town Carnival on Thursday to Saturday, June 18, 19, and 20 at Devitt Field. Beginning the day after school ends, the end-of-June event is held as a Deep River Park & Recreation annual fundraiser. All proceeds go to the care, maintenance, and enhancement of the town’s parks.

“The carnival event started in 2009, with the purpose of raising money to put back into the parks in town—specifically, we wanted to get a playscape for Devitt Field,” explained Carnival Committee Chairman Mary-Elizabeth Massey. “We’re very excited this year because we’ve been told the playscape will be purchased and installed sometime during the next fiscal year, which is great news.”

Beyond raising money for a good cause, the carnival is a way for kids, families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the end of school and beginning of summer in a safe, hometown, fun environment. This year the carnival will include live entertainment with various dancing groups performing and bands playing, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers served up by the Deep River Lions Club.

Keeping things local, Imperial Shows, the company running the carnival, is owned and operated by the Reid/Hartt family from Deep River.

“This event really is a win-win for everyone—the Park & Recreation Department, the Lions Club non-profit, and the entire local community. It’s a fun and exciting time, and we are happy to be able to put it on each year,” said Massey. “We kick off the summer with the carnival here in Deep River, and Chester ends the summer with its annual Fair in August. It all works out for everyone.”

The carnival is open Thursday and Friday evenings from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.