By Jocelyne von Strong
RIO VISTA – The carnival is back this weekend at the 74th Annual Rio Vista Bass Derby and Festival after two years.
Carnival-related activities kicked off Thursday with Family Night and included fire truck rides for kids — and kids at heart.
Bass Festival Chairman Walt Stanish said there was no Bass Derby in 2020 due to Covid-19 and in 2021, the carnival vendor did not have the necessary personnel to attend the Bass Derby and Festival. This year the carnival vendor, World Amusement, still has some challenges with staffing, so there aren’t as many rides as in the past.
However, the community is happy to have it back. Even husband’s (and wife’s) best friends are having fun.
Mikayla Cobb and Blaine Dart, both Rio Vista residents brought their two puppies, Hallie, an English Cream Golden Retriever, and their Golden Retriever puppy Millie to Thursday night’s festival to enjoy the fun. The dogs kept their composure, content to watch all the activity around them, even as fire trucks drove back and forth giving local children rides.
Scott Pereira of Tower Park brought his rescue pup Luna to enjoy some people watching.
Rio Vista residents Whitney Faucher and her children, Michael, 7, and Cailyn Fernandez, 4, are excited to see the carnival return. They were visiting the carnival on Saturday.
“We really love the rides,” said Faucher, a Rio Vista native. “Tilt-a-Whirl is my favorite. It’s too bad he’s not here this year.”
Charles Young is operating one of the skill games and has been doing so for seven months. His motivation – also his favorite part of the job – is simple.
“Working games. I mean, we have so many people — making them smile and have a good time,” Young said. “You know, that’s what it’s all about, having fun and that’s what I like to do — make sure they have a good time.”
Some of the rides include the Zipper – a ride that goes around and upside down; a revolving structure with 2,000 decorated, a fun house full of mirrors; and the longtime favorite, a Ferris wheel. Games include a softball toss and a ring toss game where you toss a ring around a rubber duck. You can try your luck and win some goodies for the kids.
The carnival continues along with the Bass Derby and Festival from noon to 5pm on Sunday. Travel tickets and passes are available on site. Parking can be a little scary, so come early for a good spot.
For more information, visit www.bassfestival.com.
