Pop-up carnival bringing fun and food to Howell for 10 days

HOWELL — The parking lot of a shuttered movie theater is the place to be in eastern Monmouth County over the next several days.

The unused lot of Xscape Theatres — right off Route 9 — is one of the venues running a L.E.A.D. Fest carnival, running through the first week of July. It's part of a series of events hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence.

Plans call for the carnival to run daily from June 28 through July 7. Monday through Friday, guests are welcome from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, as well as Fourth of July, doors open at 3 p.m.

What's the price?

You can't enter the event without paying. Admission to the carnival is $5. From there, you can purchase ride tickets or wristbands on site.

"Mega Passes," which get kids on unlimited rides for one day, are $35 Friday through Sunday, $25 on Tuesday, and $30 on Wednesday. The price is $35 on Thursday, Independence Day. Mega Passes include the admission fee.

Monday is "Dollar Night" — admission and rides are $1.

For most rides, kids need to be 36 inches tall. Some rides require a parent to ride with a child, and parents will have to purchase tickets to ride.

Rides generally require three to six tickets per rider.

Attractions are set up in advance of L.E.A.D. Fest in Howell (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)

Carnival rules

According to the event's website, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

"A maximum of three children are allowed to one adult," the website says.

At the entrance to the carnival, signage informs visitors that the age restriction is "due to a national rise in youth violence."

Sign outside the entrance of L.E.A.D. Fest in Howell (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)

No backpacks are allowed on site. Face coverings are prohibited, although there are religious and medical exemptions.

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Google Maps/Canva

L.E.A.D. Fest at Mercer County Park

A separate L.E.A.D. Fest carnival is running over the same dates, June 28 to July 7, at Mercer County Park.

Admission is $5.

The fest at Mercer County Park is also having "Dollar Night" on July 1.

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