Expo Continues Through Saturday in Warren

Maybe it was the excitement of the rides, or the helpful weather—or perhaps the discounted rides—but residents heading early to the Lions Club EXPO Wednesday were greeted with long lines at the ticket booths.

Asked about the packed carnival less than an hour after opening, Warren resident Kellie Sahler said she thought the weather forecast helped opening night.

"I thknk they're looking at the weather," she said. "Friday is supposed to be raining, and Saturday is the middle of the weekend, so everyone probably wanted to come today."

But that didn't dampen enthusiasm for all the EXPO had to offer. From favorite carnival rides to midway games, the crowds enjoyed the events. Kids, and their parents, ran from ride to ride; played and laughed with friends they happened to meet and collected prizes at the games.

Lizbeth Torralda slowed long enough between rides to say she loved the Gravitron—the huge, enclosed spinning ride—best.

"Because it spins so fast," she said, running to get in line at the Gravitron.

Some of the kids also enjoyed seeing people outside of school they don't often bump into. Emily Jochnau and Rachel Corbin excitedly hugged Warren Township Police Office Kevin Gallagher, the middle school DARE officer, as they raced to their next ride.

"It's not a bad bit of celebrity, being recognized by the kids," Officer Gallagher said.

Many adults seemed to attend for the dining—with smoky barbeque or Greek gyros and kabobs adding an alternative to standby hamburgers and hot dogs.

All were helping the Lions Club support its projects for local students, and blind and deaf residents of the state.  

The EXPO continues 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. though Saturday night in the municipal grounds next to the Warren Township Library. Saturday will be another bracelet night, with discounted ride tickets.