The summer sun was already beating down as we packed up early and headed out to Parker for their Kickoff to Summer Festival. Excitement filled the car—this was supposed to be a great day to welcome the season, explore local vendors, and enjoy some carnival fun. With free parking located conveniently close to the festival, we arrived full of energy and eager to dive in.
As we approached the festival grounds, the lively sounds of summer filled the air—music playing from various vendor booths, the hum of conversations, and, of course, the occasional delighted shriek from a carnival ride in full motion. The setup looked promising, with rows of booths stretching along the street and a clear path leading toward the main attraction: the carnival. With the kids already buzzing with anticipation, we were ready to explore what the festival had to offer.
Exploring the Festival Atmosphere
Walking toward the main festival area, we were met with rows of local vendors lining the streets. There was a great variety—from handcrafted goods to unique snacks—giving the event a vibrant, community-driven feel. The kids loved browsing through the booths, picking out souvenirs, and watching street performers along the way.
One of the biggest attractions, of course, was the carnival area. The sight of spinning rides, flashing lights, and the excited shouts of festival-goers set the tone for an afternoon of fun. But before we could jump in, we had to deal with one frustrating hurdle: wristbands.
Carnival Rides & Confusing Logistics
I had been proactive, purchasing the wristbands in advance at a discount, thinking it would make the process smoother. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. There were no signs, no clear instructions, and no designated area for wristband pickup, leaving us to wander around trying to figure it out. While we eventually tracked down the location, it took far longer than it should have—something the festival organizers could easily improve with simple signage next year.
Once we were sorted, the kids were off! The rides were plentiful, with everything from classic spinning teacups to towering slides and mini roller coasters. While they had a blast, I had a disappointment of my own. The bumper cars—advertised as part of the carnival—were nowhere to be found. The only reason I bought a wristband for myself was for those bumper cars! Since I get nauseous on spinning or drop rides, I had planned on the bumper cars being my safe zone, but with them missing from the lineup, my wristband was practically useless.
The Ticket System & Lack of Water Stations
While exploring, we quickly realized another logistical challenge: most food vendors only accepted tickets. Instead of being able to pay directly with cash or card, we had to purchase festival tickets first and then exchange them for food and drinks. While not uncommon for larger events, it did mean extra lines and more planning.
A bigger frustration? No water stations. With the temperature soaring and minimal shade throughout the festival grounds, staying hydrated was a struggle. If you didn’t purchase tickets in advance for bottled water, you were stuck buying them—meaning an extra cost for something that could have easily been resolved with a refill station. Festivals like this need to consider basic amenities, especially in hot weather.
Making the Most of the Day
Despite the setbacks, we spent about six hours at the festival, enjoying what we could. The kids made the most of the rides, we sampled local eats (after navigating the ticket system), and we soaked in the lively, bustling atmosphere. By the end of the day, we were tired, hot, and ready for some air conditioning—but at least we left with some good memories.
Would We Return Next Year?
Would this be a festival we visit again? Probably not. While there were fun aspects—the local vendors, the carnival rides for the kids, and the energetic atmosphere—the frustrations stood out too much to make a repeat visit worthwhile. The missing bumper cars, the unclear wristband pickup, the ticket-based food system, and the lack of water stations all added up to a less-than-ideal experience.
That said, if the festival organizers improve a few key areas, it could easily become a summer event worth revisiting! For now, though, we’ll be searching for other summer festivals that offer better organization, clearer logistics, and—most importantly—plenty of water.
If you’re looking for ways to make big summer memories on a small budget, there are plenty of creative and affordable options that don’t come with ticket lines or overpriced bottled water. Check out this post for 10 fun ideas that kids will love—because summer fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag!
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