By Jamie Salter
The Chants Summer Carnival has returned to Fountain Gate this year, drawing in big crowds looking to get their hands on a showbag and brave the rollercoasters.
Owner Chippa Chant said he was happy to be back following ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns.
“Visitors love the giant Ferris wheel because you get beautiful views, but for the thrill-seekers it’s the Extreme and the Beast, and a good family ride is the Crazy Coaster,” Chippa said.
“We’re an alcohol free event and we’re all about mum’s, dad’s and the kids and making memories.
“This is going to be an annual event, we were here last year for this month and we’ll be back next year for this month – we’ve partnered up with Westfield and they want us to come back every year.”
The industry has had a tough couple of years, as it relies on large gatherings.
“We were one of the first industries to shut down and one of the last to reopen but when we did reopen, people we’re really keen to get out and enjoy themselves and we got really good crowds like we’re still getting now,” Chippa said.
“The pandemic really took its toll on us, at one point we thought we wouldn’t make it through.”
Chippa purchased the $4 million Ferris wheel three days before the carnival shut down for nine months.
“We just hope it doesn’t happen again,” he said.
“Come and have a good night out at the carnival with your friends and enjoy yourself.”
The carnival will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm until Sunday 6 March.
Entry into the carnival costs $2.
