Fireworks, Carnival Set for RomeoFest

There will be no shortage of games and rides at this summer’s RomeoFest.

On Wednesday, trustees signed off on a pact with carnival vendor All Around Amusements, making the company the sole provider of rides and games at this year’s fest, set for Aug. 4 to 7. The contract is for the 2011 event only, but gives the village the option to renew the deal for 2012.

In exchange for granting All Around the right to run its rides and games at the festival, the village will receive 35 percent of Mega Pass wristband proceeds, 30 percent of Saturday and Sunday unlimited ride passes and 40 percent of ticket sales.

Mayor John Noak pointed out that the village doesn’t make a profit off the event.

“We don’t make any money,” he said. “It goes right back into (RomeoFest).”

The contract also requires All Around to donate $2,000 for grass restoration and an additional $2,500 to help fund evening entertainment at the fest on Aug. 4.

The village also signed a contract with Lumina, Inc. for its July 3 fireworks show, plus a fireworks display on the final night of RomeoFest. The company will receive $17,000 for the July 3 pyrotechnics and $8,500 to wow fest-goers on Aug. 7.

Director of Parks and Recreation Kelly Rajzer said those prices are the same as what the company charged last year.

“These guys do an amazing job for us (and) give us a great price,” Noak said. “We’ve checked,” he added, saying the last time the village sought bids from other companies, the pricetag came in at more than double what Lumina charges.

The company has worked with the village for 18 years, according to Director of Parks and Recreation Kelly Rajzer.

“It must be getting a little warmer outside, because we’re talking about RomeoFest and fireworks,” Noak said.