The days are long. The weather’s warm. And the carnivals are on their way to town.
It must be June in Hamilton.
Kick off the month with a relative newcomer to the festival scene—the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Carnival, a two-weekend event at Mercer County Park which continues May 30-June 2.
Proceeds go to fund the D.A.R.E. program, which teaches local elementary school children the danger of abusing drugs and alcohol. Now in its 3rd year, the carnival will include a midway with games, vendors, food and rides. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, June 1.
Visitors can find the fair near the ice skating rink at Mercer County Park. Parking is free. For more information, go online to darenj.com or search for Dare New Jersey on Facebook.
Then, from June 17-22, celebrate the official start of summer with St. Gregory the Great’s 34th Annual Family Carnival, on Nottingham Way in Hamilton Square.
The carnival opens at 6 p.m. each evening, and closes by 11 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
This year’s attractions include food tents, games, a nightly 50-50, a “Super 50-50,” more than 20 rides, plus—on June 20, 21 and 22—a dunk tank.
There are also daily special events, like $1 french fries and hot dogs from 6-8 p.m. June 17 and June 20, fireworks June 18 and June 22 and a ride special June 22, where a $20 wristband allows visitors unlimited access to the carnival rides that night. Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, will make an appearance June 17. Dan the Balloon Man will roam the midway June 19, and on June 21, the Funny Factory Clown Band will perform.
St. Gregory the Great is located at 4620 Nottingham Way in Hamilton Square. For more information, go online to sggcarnival.com or call (609) 587-4877.
