Evesham, NJ – Security fences, banned backpacks, and roving patrols will surround this year’s St. Joan of Arc Carnival in a major effort to prevent the kind of chaos that has shut down similar events in the region.
After disruptions at other New Jersey carnivals in recent years, officials are taking no chances with what’s meant to be a family-oriented celebration.
Starting Monday and running through Saturday, the carnival will enforce new strict entry protocols, including banning face coverings and conducting inspections on certain bags.
The safety plan, announced jointly by the Evesham Township Police Department, St. Joan of Arc Carnival Committee, and Monsignor Richard LaVerghetta, includes fencing around the entire perimeter of the carnival, limiting access to three controlled entry points. Visitors can only enter from the church parking lot off Willow Bend Road, the school’s rear parking lot on Evans Road, or the pedestrian walkway on Wheatland Court.
All attendees will be subject to immediate visual checks at these checkpoints, and any bags allowed inside must be for medical or infant-related use and are subject to search. No backpacks or facial coverings of any kind will be permitted, with no exceptions beyond the medical or childcare exemptions.
Uniformed police officers will patrol both the exterior and interior of the carnival throughout its six-day run, providing security and on-site support. The move comes after a growing trend of public disturbances led to event cancellations elsewhere, prompting a zero-tolerance approach in Evesham.
Organizers say the heightened precautions are designed to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment for families and maintain a safe environment at one of the township’s most popular annual events.
——
Key Points
- Evesham Township will enforce strict security at the St. Joan of Arc Carnival after recent disruptions at similar events.
- New measures include perimeter fencing, banned face coverings, and restricted bag access with inspections.
- Police officers will be stationed nightly throughout the event to monitor activity and ensure safety.
Carnival organizers aren’t taking any chances after rowdy crowds shut down other Jersey fairs.
