Events Go On At Cinnaminson Carnival Despite Potential Threat

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Monday's opening night of the St. Charles Borromeo Parish Carnival in Cinnaminson had more attendees than the carnival's last opening night in 2019, Parish Pastor Daniel E. Kirk, told Patch.

Hours before the St. Charles Borromeo Parish Carnival opened its gates for its 2022 edition on Monday, the Cinnaminson Township Police Department said it had received a tip of a potential threat against the event. The department said it would increase its presence while authorities worked to "tirelessly to either dismiss or validate the tip."

Kirk told Patch on Monday that the parish — just as it does every year — "has been and continues to be in contact with the Cinnaminson Police Department as well as law enforcement from Burlington County to ensure the overall safety of all who attend the St. Charles Borromeo Carnival."

Organizers were still ascertaining attendance totals from Monday's opening night when Patch reached out Tuesday.

However, Kirk said he felt at least some attendance numbers would be higher than the last carnival opening night in 2019.

"In terms of comparison ... I would say we easily had more people join us, based on the amount of revenue that was generated," he said. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 and 2021 carnivals.

Kirk also said he hoped the potential threat would not dissuade would-be carnivalgoers from attending the event.

"We invite everyone to join us for a safe and enjoyable time throughout this upcoming week," he said.

The carnival runs nightly on the parish grounds from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night until Saturday, and is one of the parish's largest fundraisers.

As the carnival goes on, so does the investigation into the potential threat, Cinnaminson Police Chief Richard Calabrese told Patch.

"This is an active investigation," he said Tuesday, adding police are investigating "all available leads."

"The Cinnaminson Township Police will have a strong presence in and around the carnival all week to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors," the police department said on its Facebook page.

Anyone with information about the threat in Cinnaminson, is aware of suspicious activity in the township or sees any suspicious activity in the township is asked to call 856-829-6666 and request to speak to a supervisor.

Got a news tip? Story idea? Send me an email with the details at janel.miller@patch.com.