Carnival in Chariton Every 4th of July
Chariton Iowa has a carnival every Fourth of July
The entire town flocks up there to watch them set up
They are open for business in a few hours
Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, tilt-a-whirl
The true magic happens in the evening
sky is lit by neon lights fancier than a sheriff’s topper
ambiance is mystical and magical
you can hear the screams of carnival riders
wonderful smells fill the air – funnel cakes and caramel apples
lines waiting for them as long as a box car
everyone chattering together, for this is a small town
two or three people carry large pink or blue teddy bears
barkers try to entice me to spend my money
I know better than to give up everything on the “maybe” wins
I am heading for the Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl
the merry-go-round is for the little ones. They are giggling
Strangely, the carnival in the evening is ten times more magical
Because of the sky? The crowd? The emphasis on the bright lights?
No idea, but it always seems like a dream come true, a fairy land
Something to cherish until the next Fourth of July
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