Sonia Ahmed photos
Ahh!! "The Zipper" strikes on Long Wharf.
Fake Labubus, or "Lafufus," on sale at the carnival.
Screams of delight and terror erupted from the Sports Haven parking lot Friday night — thanks to the “The Zipper.”
That was one of many rides at the Coleman Brothers’ carnival, which popped up at 600 Long Wharf Dr. from June 19 to June 29. Admission cost $2 per person, and all-day wristbands could be purchased for $35 each.
Unfortunately, I was one of the happy carnival-goers screaming in terror. “The Zipper” was filled with unpredictable flips and turns, causing my glasses to lift and almost fly off my head. The ride was more suited to thrill-seekers and upside-down lovers.
One ride that was easier on the stomach was “The Rockstar.” This guitar-shaped ride spun passengers left and right over 50 feet in the air, without any turning or upside down motions. That one was a favorite. I rode it at least three times.
Many vendors at the fair touted fake Labubus, also known as Lafufus. Labubus are a popular plush toy bag charm made by the company Pop Mart. They’ve taken the world by storm after K‑Pop artist Lisa was spotted wearing one. Pop Mart sells the toys for almost $30. One vendor at Friday’s carnival was selling the Lafufus, which were wearing various outfits, for $20 apiece.
Other vendors included Zari’s Henna, which featured different henna – or temporary body art — designs at various price points as well as face paint designs.
There were also several options for food, from carne asada nachos to fried Oreos and chicken wings. The Wings Factory also sold a piña colada drink that came in a pineapple.
Carnival games included “Whopper Water,” where participants sprayed water guns at targets to win prizes such as plushies, and “Fish Bowl,” a game with the objective to successfully throw a ping pong into a small, fish-like bowl. The Fish Bowl game only included small live fish in their prize selection.
Other rides at the carnival included “The Starship Exodus,” an enclosed ride that spun riders so fast it felt as if they were floating, and “The Music Express,” a roller-coaster-like ride that surprised passengers by ending with a backwards motion.
The Ferris wheel was among the most popular rides at the carnival. It was closed for the first hour after the carnival opened at 6 p.m., as it needed a belt air compressor. After the carnival operators got the part, the ride opened and worked smoothly.
“Remember to buckle your seatbelts,” the ride operator joked. Evidently, there were no seatbelts.
The Starship Exodus ride.
Music Express.
Ferris Wheel.