Fair days returning to Stockbridge

by Tina Cole-Mullins

It’s fair to say the buzz is true, so don’t miss this returning event. Mark your calendars for June 24, 25 and 26, when the American Legion Post 510 will be the site of this summer’s Family Carnival presented by Skerbeck Family Carnivals.

“The American Legion Post 510 is proud to bring back the Stockbridge Family Carnival and looks forward to continuing the past traditions of the carnival for years to come!” post member Ericka Cole said.

It has been decades since the carnival made its way into our community, having once been an annual event enjoyed by all as far back as in 1949. The last event was in 1973.

Last year, the neighboring town of Dansville hosted a carnival on Memorial Day weekend.

Many local residents enjoyed the festivities, while wondering why Stockbridge couldn’t do a similar event. Comments about the carnival could be found on social media or within captions for photos of smiling family members enjoying quality time together.

The time seemed right and Legion members held discussions on bringing back the popular attraction from the past. Upon committee approval of the carnival, the commander of the Legion contacted Skerback Family Carnival and signed the contract.

Skerbeck Family Carnival is a family carnival based out of Escanaba, Michigan. The company  offers a full-size midway, a dozen larger thrill rides, and an equal number of family and kid rides.
Games, concessions and food vendors, along with amenities such as ATMs will be available on the grounds. It will be a family-focused environment, according to carnival officials.

“We will try to bring as many of our midway rides and concessions as the allotted space will accommodate,” Carly Vertz of Skerbeck Family Carnival said.

Rebbecca Dunne, of newly opened The Red Apron Eatery, is a supporting sponsor. “I am excited and all for it. (It’s) something for the community to celebrate!” she said.

Greg Uihlein, a longtime member of the Legion and his wife Geri and partner of the G.U. Crew are thrilled to be able to sponsor the event and be on the carnival committee.
“Being able to assist in all facets for the Legion and the Stockbridge community is a huge honor,” Greg Uihlein said.

Sponsoring businesses and organizations such as Wake Up Stockbridge are looking for ways to distribute wrist bands to help offset some of the cost for families.

Sponsors of the carnival include American Legion Post 510, Stockbridge Township, G.U. Crew, The Auto Shop at Lantis Plaza, The Red Apron Eatery, The State Bank, Carney’s Complete Auto Service, Stockbridge Bowl, Abbott & Fillmore Agency, Inc., SBK Orthodontics and Eaton Community Bank.

Parking will be available at the Crossroads Church, the old Ransom’s parking lot and the Park & Ride. Plans call for tractor and trailer rides to the carnival site thanks to Legion member Doug Wild.

Security will be provided by the Legion members and the Stockbridge Police Department.

If you go

Skerbeck Family Carnival
American Legion Post 510
830 S. Clinton St., Stockbridge
Friday, June 24, 2-11 p.m.
Saturday, June 25, noon-11 p.m.
Sunday, June 26, noon-7 p.m.

Daily ride armbands $20, tickets $1 each
For more info: www.skerbeckcarnival.com/events/2022/stockbridge2022

The annual summer carnival was a popular event in Stockbridge for 24 years. Photo from Facebook provided by the American Legion Post 510

The Skerbeck Family Carnival brings rides, games and food to Stockbridge June 24-26. Photo credit: Carly Vertz of Skerbeck Family Carnival

The carnival is a family-focused event. Photo credit: Carly Vertz of Skerbeck family

People line up for the rides and attractions at the annual summer carnival in Stockbridge. Photo from Facebook provided mb the American Legion Post 510

The carnival was an annual event in Stockbridge from 1949-1973. Photo from Facebook provided by the American Legion Post 510

Light pole banners donated by the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority announce the upcoming carnival.

The Skerbeck Family Carnival offers a variety of rides for the entire family. The carnival comes to Stockbridge on June 24-26. Photo credit: Carly Vertz of Skerbeck Family Carnival