First Appeared in the The Post-Crescent May 8, 2007

Kimberly OKs extra day of midway games, rides at Paperfest
Jim Collar, Post-Crescent
 
KIMBERLY — The Paperfest midway could open up one day early this summer depending on how fast crews can complete their setup.

The Village Board on Monday agreed to let the summer community festival open carnival rides, games, inflatable rides and other activities at Sunset Park on July 19, a Thursday. Rides traditionally opened on Friday.

Trustees, however, prohibited any Wednesday setup on parking areas to preserve space for sporting events and a band concert that already are scheduled.

Al Schaefer, community enrichment director for the village, said early carnival setup last year put a squeeze on parking and impeded traffic in and out of the park. "It was very difficult when they were setting up on Wednesday," he said.

Paperfest is a free festival that runs July 19-22 at the park. In addition to the carnival, the four-day event includes a car show, motorcycle show, five stages of music and various sporting events.

Festival organizers sought a compromise Monday, asking whether carnival crews could begin setup late Wednesday after teams and spectators leave the park.

Fox Valley Metro Police Chief David Peterson objected to that plan based on the park's proximity to neighborhoods.

"We're going to get one call after another," he said.

Paperfest began its expansion into Thursday last year by scheduling live music. The midway activities would complement the music schedule, organizers said.

However, the late setup could force organizers to delay a portion of their offerings until July 20 should rides not be ready.

In a second vote Monday, the board decided to give Paperfest's car lovers easier access to beverages. The board voted to allow a motorized cart for sale of beer while the car show is in operation.

The car show is held at the opposite end of the park from the festival's lone beer tent.

Jim Collar can be reached at 920-993-1000, ext. 216, or jcollar@postcrescent.com.

Copyright (c) The Post-Crescent. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.