Bumper cars were among the rides open for business at a community carnival hosted by Newton this past weekend. (Rachel Garcia/OnCentral)
The aroma of steaming funnel cakes and bacon wrapped hot dogs replaced the smell of car exhaust on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Avalon Boulevard and Main Street on Saturday. The road was blocked off Friday through Sunday for a carnival hosted by the Newton Division of the Los Angeles Police Department.
"It's a place for people to entertain their families in their own community," said Sergeant Manny Ramirez of Newton Division. "They know it's safe because they can see us out here as well." He was in attendance with his wife and grandchildren.
From bumper cars and revolving swings to balloon dart games, typical carnival rides and game booths filled the street. Ride tickets sold for a dollar each and were also sold in bundles - 22 tickets for $20 and 45 tickets for $35. Rides cost between one to six tickets.
Food offerings ranged from hot dogs and popcorn to candied and carmel apples.
The carnival was a fundraiser to benefit the LAPD's youth programs, including the Newton Police Activities League (PAL) and the Newton Cadet program. The PAL program keeps 8- to 17-year-olds busy with tutoring sessions, boxing lessons, group outings and other activities.
Members of the Newton Cadet program worked at the carnival alongside police officers, helping to keep the carnival safe.
"I'm making sure that there are no problems here,' said Jenifer Cabrera, a uniformed cadet who was monitoring the street.
All photos by Rachel Garcia.
