Carnival Ramps Up Restrictions Amid Mayhem At South Jersey Events

WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ — In the midst of fights breaking out at several South Jersey gatherings, a upcoming carnival has set additional rules.

Our Lady of Peace Annual Carnival in Williamstown will have a one-strike policy during the upcoming week's festivities. Anyone found causing a disruption will be immediately ejected and potentially arrested, according to the Monroe Township Police Department.

The carnival is free for adults and children shorter than 3 feet, 6 inches, with some exceptions for children with physical or developmental disabilities who are taller. Minors above the height threshold can enter by purchasing a nightly wristband for $30 or a $55 weeklong pass, according to Skelly's Amusements, which operates the event.

Face coverings will be prohibited, and all backpacks and bags are subject to searches. The carnival will also be fenced in, with two entrance gates.

Two local community gatherings erupted into chaos earlier this month after large groups of mostly teens got into fights at each event. The mayhem at both Gloucester Township Day and Pennsauken's Summer Kick Off resulted in several arrests, raising concerns for family-friendly gatherings around the region.

"Carnivals are meant to be a fun, family-friendly, fundraising activity held within a community," Skelly's Amusements announced on social media. "Over the past month, there were two events in our area that showed what happens when groups of kids come to a carnival with intentions other than riding rides, eating funnel cake or playing the games."

Our Lady of Peace Annual Carnival runs from 6-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Church (32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown).