Dartmouth Carnival: No One Under 18 Without an Adult

DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — The carnival is coming to the Dartmouth Mall this weekend, but unlike in years past, parents won’t be able to drop off the kids while they do some shopping, and teens won’t be able to drive themselves and hang out there just with friends.

Fiesta Shows has confirmed that its new policy on minors attending its shows that went into effect this past weekend in Kingston will also apply to the Dartmouth Carnival May 2 through May 12.

The new policy was put in place after an incident at Fiesta Shows’ carnival in Weymouth on April 19 in which multiple fights were reported and a person was injured. An 18-year-old from Brockton was arrested and a Brockton juvenile was issued a criminal complaint.

Get our free mobile app

The carnival ended up being canceled, and Fiesta Shows issued a statement on its Facebook page saying it was “deeply disappointed” in the incident.

“For generations, we have prided ourselves in creating a family-friendly environment and the safety of our guests is our top priority. We maintain a large police and fire presence on-site as part of our normal security procedures to ensure that our patrons are safe at all times,” Fiesta Shows wrote.

“We are pleased that none of our guests or employees were injured in this incident. We feel bad for the good citizens and families of Weymouth that were enjoying their time at the carnival when this occurred," the post concluded.

That led to the new policy that was in effect at the Kingston Carnival this past Thursday through Sunday. Fiesta Shows confirmed to WBSM on Sunday afternoon that the policy would be in place for Dartmouth as well, and then updated the event page on its website to reflect that.

The new minor policy requires all children between the ages of 13 and 17 to be “accompanied by parent, guardian or chaperone that is 21-plus,” the Fiesta Shows website states. “Parent, guardian or chaperone will be personally responsible for any minor in their care.”

The parent, guardian or chaperone must also remain at the carnival with the minor.

In addition, each adult can only chaperone up to four minors at a time. Any groups with more than four people under the age of 18 will require an additional chaperone for every four minors.

Guests may also be required to present proof of age in the form of a driver’s license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa or military ID. According to the policy, that ID would be presented in order to obtain entry into the carnival and also to remain at the event.

“Failure to comply will result in being denied initial admission or ejection from the event,” the website states. “There are no exceptions. No refunds will be given if you are ejected from the event.”

The Dartmouth Carnival has not been without controversy in the past, either. In 2022, two groups of people exchanged gunfire during the carnival, and in 2023, neighbors complained about noise and bright lights as the carnival was moved to the back of the mall parking lot.

This year, the carnival will be in front of the mall, situated between Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings, according to a report in Dartmouth Week.

According to the Facebook event page, the Dartmouth Carnival will begin on Thursday, May 2 and run until Sunday, May 12. It will be open May 2 and 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., May 4 and 5 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., May 6-10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and May 11-12 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.