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Hyattsville Celebrates Anniversary With 127th Annual Carnival

 

Spring has finally arrived and the city of Hyattsville will hold its 127th Annual Carnival. The carnival will open Thursday evening, April 11, 2013 and convene until Sunday, April 14th at Magruder Park.

 

            Every spring Hyattsville holds its annual carnival in celebration of the city’s anniversary and its residents. Guests can enjoy rides, games, a free family-fun tent, Mandy the Clown, and food concessions by Taylor & Sons Amusement Rides. Community information booths will also be assembled throughout the park. Guests can enjoy the sounds of DC Metro band, The Fabulous Bel-Airs, and Colours, a student music group.

Last year the city introduced the teen dance and this year it will be held on the basketball courts under a tent in the park on Friday night for participants from the ages of 13 to 17. A DJ will provide music. There will be a photo booth, a drawing contest with door prizes including gift certificates to local restaurants. A school ID must be presented for admission.

The festival’s main attraction is the parade featuring community groups, youth groups, classic cars, marching bands, step teams, and fire and police units. Parade awards will be given out at the carnival.

The parade will begin on the steps of Hyattsville Middle School (6001 42nd St.). The parade follows 42nd St. south to Jefferson St. and turns right onto Jefferson St. and heads to Hamilton Street, where it then turns left and continues to the reviewing stage at Magruder Park (3911 Hamilton Street).

Those who will be traveling through the area should be aware of road closings on Saturday due to the parade traffic. Expect road closures on 42nd Avenue from Oliver to Jefferson; on Jefferson from 42nd Avenue to 38th Avenue; and on Hamilton Street from 38th Avenue to Magruder Park at 40th. The main route closes by 10:30 a.m. and remains closed until approximately 12:30 p.m., depending on how quickly the parade progresses.

Fireworks were also a new addition to the festival in 2012. This year the show will begin Saturday night at 8 p.m.

The Community Services Department expects a good flow throughout the 4-day festival. The festival’s busiest day is Saturday after the parade and during the fireworks. The department encourages as many people as possible to come out and celebrate with them.