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Starting Today, It's a Carnival on a Rochester Hills Corner

This is the 35th year of the Rochester Hills Lions Club carnival, which benefits Leader Dogs for the Blind.

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The carnival opens today on the corner of Rochester and Avon roads in Rochester Hills. It runs through May 13. Patch file photo

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The carnival opens today on the corner of Rochester and Avon roads in Rochester Hills. It runs through May 13.

Credit Patch file photo

Credit Kim Austin

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Weather and inspections permitting, the popular carnival on the corner of Avon and Rochester roads in Rochester Hills is set to open at 4 today.

It's the 35th year for the spring carnival, which features rides, games, prizes and food. It's sponsored by the Rochester Hills Lions Club as one of the club's main fundraisers for the Leader Dogs for the Blind. The Rochester Hills chapter was recently named in the top 20 of 5,000 Lions clubs worldwide in donations to Leader Dogs.

Lions Club representative Keith Kennedy said an inspection was set for Thursday afternoon and, if all of the permits are awarded and the rain holds off, the carnival will open shortly after. All-day arm bands are $20 per person. The carnival runs through May 13.

Kennedy said the main attraction this year will be a new ferris wheel covered in thousands of LED lights. "It can be seen for miles," he said.

Carnival hours are:

Monday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m.
Friday: 4-11 p.m.
Saturday: noon-11 p.m.
Sunday 1 -10 p.m.

Planning to go to the carnival? Keep Patch in mind — we want to showcase your carnival photos!

Related Topics: Carnival and Leader Dogs for the Blind

What's your favorite carnival ride? Tell us in the comments.

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David Gifford

11:42 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

You have to see the ferris wheel! This is the first year I've seen them use LED's instead of the traditional light bulbs. In addition to saving energy, LED's are capable of producing an incredible light show. We could see it from south of Hamlin while driving north and I thought I was seeing fireworks, one of the many cool patterns it can do. We may check out the carnival this weekend.

Kristin Bull

11:58 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

Take your camera, David!

Christine Laikind

2:02 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

I enjoyed seeing the Ferris Wheel as I was coming home from Downtown Rochester last night around 9:30 pm.

Kathleen Ritter

9:45 am on Friday, May 4, 2012

Don't forget to stop by Leader Dogs for the Blind while you're in the area and sign up for the blood drive there on May 11 between 10 and 4 pm! Leader Dog is located on the corner of Avon and Rochester Rd. or call 248-651-9011.

Kathleen Ritter

9:50 am on Friday, May 4, 2012

Looking forward to this great event!

Randy Buckman

12:52 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012

I have no clue about logistics, but is there any way this could be in downtown, maybe next to The Mill or somewhere? This year, with the makeover an all, makes sense, but would it be a help for the businesses and city? Just asking. I definitely don't want to start flooding to town and changing the feel either.

Elyse Martin

2:15 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Just FYI, every year that fair sets up at that corner. All the people I know, we call it the Kmart fair. If it were to move locations, I know a lot of people that would no longer attend. We look forward to that corner housing the fair every year. It's tradition.

David Gifford

9:08 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Hey Randy, I mentioned this in my new blog. Growing up on the east side with downtown carnivals from Romeo, Armada, Richmond to New Baltimore it would seem fitting to have the carnival downtown. There is a "brownfield" at Mill and Second that would be a good location but parking is always an issue. We also don't have a homecoming parade. Different town, different traditions that make Rochester unique.

mike jones

9:04 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012

Every single time that fair comes into town, it rains. What's up with that?

Allison

11:13 am on Monday, May 7, 2012

What is the cost? My kids really want to go but I don't want to fork out a bunch of coin to have them not ride any rides or get upset if they don't win any prizes.

Autumn

3:17 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

It was so fun and its open this weekend my family and I are going to go again.

Autumn

3:19 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

It might be a good mother's day present also......

Sarah

6:43 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012

I would like to know the answer to Allison's question.....how much does it cost for kids? I saw that it's $20/person. Would that be $20 for my 3-year-old and $20 for my 1-year-old, as well as $20 each for me and my husband? And how much are the rides and games? I have never been to this carnival and would like to take my kids on Friday. Any response would be great! Thank you!