St. Charles Carnival: Police increase security, urge residents to stay alert amid recent juvenile frenzy
CINNAMINSON, Nj - Crowds of unruly juveniles have forced events to shut down across the region, but one local community won't let that stop them from hosting some family fun.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Cinnaminson will host its annual carnival from 6 to 11 p.m. June 10-15. It is a huge benefit for the parish's elementary school and other church ministries.
With just hours until opening night, police issued an alert saying they were working with the carnival as they "look forward to a very successful event."
The department says they provided assistance to Pennsauken police this past weekend when large groups caused their Summer Kickoff event to be canceled. Four adults between 18 and 20 years old were arrested along with two juveniles.
6 arrested after large 'unruly' crowds force summer event to shut down in South Jersey
Chaos took over in Camden County as an apparent fight among kids broke up a Saturday night festival in Pennsauken.
A week before that, hundreds of young people ruined Gloucester Township Day with violent fights and there were similar incidents down the shore.
"Over the course of the past several weeks, there have been a number of unfortunate incidents involving unruly groups at several community events throughout the State of New Jersey," police said.
In an abundance of caution, police are asking residents to stay attentive, travel in groups, and report any concerns.
"It's a shame. I felt bad for the kids there and just families. They obviously dedicated a night there and unfortunately just a couple bad eggs ruined the dozen I guess," said Chris Ackley.
"We've never had an issue here. We have been coming here probably about 10 years so never did it occur to me not come," he said. Ackley heard about what happened at the Pennsauken Summer Kickoff event from a friend who was there.
His family joined the Fenimore family who brought their two kids Aiden and Ava.
"It's such a great family atmosphere. We love getting here early, getting on all the rides, get the good food and head on out," said Joni Fenimore.
Father Daniel Kirk says they are taking precautions with volunteer security staff and local police patrolling the grounds every night.
"There really isn't a concern that there is anything going to be amiss and heaven forbid we have procedures in place to be able to handle that effectively," said Father Daniel Kirk.
Omar Collins brought his stepson and a friend to the carnival tonight not expecting any trouble.
"They're beefing up security and what not making sure that people are safe and here to have fun. Hope anything does not happen but I am still going to come out here and enjoy myself," he said.
Cinnaminson Police say other agencies have found through social media that young people are planning these meetups at public events to cause problems.
They will be keeping close watch on this Friday and Saturday, which are the last two nights of the carnival.