From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Sonshine Amusements is set up and ready to go for the Spring Carnival in Trussville.
Inspectors are making their rounds. Health inspectors check the food stations the day before the carnival. Sonshine Amusements does its own maintenance and checks daily. They check for cracks and mechanical issues. The City of Trussville checks the wiring on each ride and game.
Alabama doesn’t require safety inspections on carnival rides, but some states do. Sonshine Amusements travels so you can see other state inspection stickers on the side of each ride.
Concession manager Ashley Noerper, a St. Clair County native, said she is the fourth generation of her family to operate the carnival. The family travels, so she is happy to be close to home.
“I get to see a lot of friends and family,” Noerper said. “I like it, but I like traveling, too, so I get the both of best worlds.”
Her great-grandfather started the business with pony rides years ago. Noerper’s young daughter, Livie Grace, hopes to continue the family tradition. She already picks out all the game prizes, including this year’s hot item, the “Mer-Pugs.”
Ferris Wheel imported from Poland
Noerper’s brother, Darrell Jones, also works at the carnival. He said they are most proud of the Ferris wheel. It was imported from Poland and has European art on each of the carts.
“It’s one of our best rides out here,” Jones said. “Some of the kids like the Sizzler and the Moby Dick.”
The Moby Dick, Jones said, is Trussville’s favorite.
“The Moby Dick is the most popular ride in Trussville,” he said. “They love it! They love Moby!”
Although there are rides for all ages, managers want people to know each ride has a height requirement that is strictly enforced for safety reasons.
As for concessions, this year’s new featured item is the strawberry cheesecake funnel cake, but there will be a variety of other treats for carnival-goers.
There is a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday and Noerper said the carnival will not open while it is raining.
“Check the weather before you buy your ticket because we do not do refunds because we don’t know the time frame of when you bought the ticket,” Noerper said. “You can also buy dollar tickets that you can use the next day.”
Jones said the weather is something they are used to dealing with.
“If you want it to rain in your town, just have us and it will rain,” he said.
Food and games are not covered by general admission.
Noerper said she has enjoyed working with the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Holy Cross Episcopal Church to put on the event.
“We’re excited,” she said. “We love being here and we love the people. This is such a unique venue. The people and everyone here is so nice…we feel blessed to always be here and be close to home.”
If anyone has concerns about the carnival, the owners and managers will be on the property throughout the duration.
The carnival will be open Thursday, March 28, through Sunday, March 31, next to Holy Cross Episcopal Church on Main Street. The area is across the street from Trussville City Hall.
Livie Grace and her mother Ashley Noerper.
Coupons are available for $1 off the price of the $15 wristband at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and on the chamber’s website. Coupons must be printed; no electronic versions will be accepted.
Parking is available at Civitan Park and also in the parking lots on Main Street across from Bryant Bank. The Chamber and the City of Trussville ask that patrons please be considerate of the residents in the area, as well as the church, and not park on the grass or nearby driveways.
According to the statement from the Chamber of Commerce, transactions will be cash only due to the lack of a connection at this location.
Tentative hours are Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Separate wristbands must be purchased for each shift on Saturday. Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
For more information on the chamber, please visit www.trussvillechamber.com or call the chamber at 655-7535.
