Antioch Prepares to Host New Dickens Fest Autumn Carnival

Antioch regains excitement as it opens its third carnival of 2016.

As  part of the annual Dickens Display festival, Antioch opened their first Winter Carnival last weekend.

Kyle Whitely

As part of the annual Dickens Display festival, Antioch opened their first Winter Carnival last weekend.

In recent years, the town of Antioch has hosted two carnivals throughout the year, one in the Spring season and one in the middle of the Summer season. These carnivals offer rides, local food and live performances at the Bandshell.

For the weekend of November 4 – 6, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce hosted a third carnival to kick off the Dickens Holiday Village in which local businesses from November 3 to December 25 display mannequins depicting scenes from literature written by Charles Dickens.

One problem that could have influenced the carnival was weather since it took place deep into the fall season rather than during warmer climates, as did the other yearly carnivals.

“I feel like it’s too late,” Senior Nathan Sanchez said. “It’s going to be really cold which will unfortunately make people not want to come.”

Fortunately, the weekend faced temperatures in the mid 60’s and offered sunshine and warmth for those taking part in the town’s festivities.

For some people, these carnivals give them something to do around town and develop a stronger sense of community for Antioch residents.

“[Carnivals] create quality time for friends and families,” Senior Karley Rosenquist said. “These event provide an exciting environment for community members and give Antioch some life.”