PARKVILLE, Mo. — The Independence Day celebration in Parkville, Mo., won’t have carnival rides this year, after the amusement park failed to pass two safety inspections. Festival organizers are scrambling to replace the rides with other entertainment options for children.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety cited multiple violations among the amusement rides. Additionally, the carnival failed an electrical inspection performed by the Southern Platte Fire Marshal. As a result, carnival rides are being pulled out of downtown Parkville, near English Landing Park. The Main Street Parkville Association said it’s bringing in inflatable jumpers and slides so kids can still have some fun.
Organizers are disappointed but say the decision is in the best interest of public safety, rather than trying to rush to correct multiple problems. This is the first time Parkville has used a new operator to set up the amusement rides, and the city says it’s likely to be the last time.
“Sure, it’s disappointing,” said Lauren Palmer, Parkville city administrator. “But we want to reassure visitors to Parkville that we are still going to have a great Fourth of July celebration downtown. We have many other activities planned for families to enjoy. We’ve got a pancake breakfast, a parade, the best fireworks display in the metro and a beautiful view over the Missouri River. We’re going to have great weather.”
Palmer wants to assure people it won’t be the last time Parkville hosts a carnival. Parkville Days is scheduled for the month of August, and the carnival operator the city has history working with is booked to set up amusement rides for it.
There still will be cotton candy, tee-shirts and other fair vendors. With a brand new park on the riverfront, organizers believe Parkville will remain a popular place for families to celebrate the Fourth of July.
For a list of activities that will still be available, click here.