MUSCATINE, Iowa–As the Crossroads Carnival prepares to enter its seventh year, Crossroads clients, staff members and supporters in the community look forward to this classic event coming back with a twist. This year, Crossroads will partner with Rockin’ on Second Street to make their signature event bigger and better than ever and to get the whole community in on the fun.
Originally held in the Crossroads parking lot, organizers sought a way to bring this event to a wider audience, just as they try to help their clients step out of the Crossroads building and into the community whenever possible. “We strive for community integration for persons with disabilities and seniors throughout all of our programs, so we felt our carnival event should be extended to the community as well,” explained Megan Francis, marketing and communications director and executive assistant for Vision 2020, an organization that works alongside Crossroads. “When the opportunity arose to team with Rockin’ on Second Street for a downtown street party, it was an easy choice to join forces.”
This year’s Crossroads Carnival will feature many of the midway games past attendees have loved, including balloon darts, a football throw, a ping pong toss, and many others. To compliment these old favorites, Crossroads will have some new offerings as well, including a more extensive selection of bonce hoses, a balloon artist, and even a dunk tank. Winterland, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will play at the carnival, starting off the afternoon’s music, giving folks something to jam out to while the check out all the carnival events.
To welcome the community out to Rockin’ on Second Street, the carnival kickoff will make its games free to all who come. Those who would like to donate to Crossroads, as well as Shop with a Cop, the event’s other featured charity, may do so through donation jars, silent auctions, and even a pie in the face event.
A strong start to Rockin’ on Second, the Crossroads Carnival will get the fun started at 1 p.m. at the corner of Second and Pine Streets in downtown Muscatine. People of all ages may drop by at their convenience and see what Crossroads has in store for them.
A creative spin on a traditional event, Francis believes the partnership with Rockin’ on Second will prove beneficial for both groups and looks to see many people come downtown to experience this day of fun for themselves: “We are excited to partner with Rockin’ on Second Street this year. We are always looking for partners to open opportunities for community integration for persons with disabilities and seniors,” she shared. “What better partnership than getting the entire community together for fun games and dancing to some great music?!”
