Grand Carnivale Makes Triumphant Return to Dorney Park

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This weekend marks the return of the Grand Carnivale celebration to Dorney Park.  After debuting in 2019 and understandably taking off 2020, the 14 day festival is back to celebrating the "sights, sounds, smells and tastes from cultures around the world."  The experience will take place each day the park is open between now and August 8th, 2021.

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The representation of world cultures has increased by one this year, with the addition of Spain.  That joins returning countries China, Germany, France, India and Italy.  The countries are not only represented in food offerings, but also through special activities, games and more.  Special talents from each area are also featured each day in The Grand Showcase, a live show on the Grand Carnivale Main Stage.  The actors are happy to greet and take photos with guests as they roam around the area as well.

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Grand Carnivale at Dorney Park offers more than just live entertainment - it also includes special crafts and challenges, and even new games of chance created just for the limited time event.  For instance, kids can visit each country's stop (an example is seen above) and scan the QR code to participate in Mardi's International QR Invitational.  Hosted by the Alligator King Mardi P. Gras, the challenge awards kids for visiting each country.  Families will also enjoy activities such as coloring and decorating country postcards and even making a unique Mardi Gras mask.

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There are several live entertainment offerings packed into Grand Carnivale as well.  Kicking off at 3 pm each day, the King and Queen of Grand Carnivale host a welcome event for guests.  From there the entertainment schedule varies throughout the entire day, with something always taking place to keep the atmosphere festive.

The Grand Showcase takes place at 3:15 each day, which features performers from around the world as they show off some of their area's favorite customs.  Twice each day the Royal Rhythms perform the King and Queen's favorite hits in a high energy live music show.  In between these acts there is also a Royal Dance Party (a great time to get some beads) and the evening winds down with a final Royal Send-Off song and dance performance.

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But how about all the food!  Grand Carnivale features a tasting card that can be purchased to sample a select number of dishes from all the country's booths.  Each booth offers three main items and one dessert choice, and there are also areas to get a Grand Carnivale specialty cocktail or a virgin cocktail.

You can see the full listing of the 20+ choices on the park's website here, but some of the highlights include General Tso Egg Rolls from China, German Chocolate Cake from Germany, a traditional Jambon-Beurre sandwich from France and Pollo al Ajillo, a chicken dish from Spain.  There are a ton of choices and far too much to eat in one day, so plan to sample on more than one visit!

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Each night at 6:30 the Spectacle of Color Parade will kick off following the same route it did in 2019 (first passing through Planet Snoopy then heading up and back down the main midway).  It again features three performance stops and that super-catchy song that you'll be singing the next day!

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If you happened to catch the Spectacle of Color Parade at Dorney's Grand Carnivale in 2019 you'll be happy to know that several of the floats have been swapped out and are brand new to the park this year.  The king alligator float, for instance, is very impressive and a huge hit with the crowd!  The floats are not all that is new as several costumes for the performers are also new, giving a different feel to the parade than previously.

In total, the Spectacle of Color Parade features five decorated floats, nearly 100 street performers and "pulsing rhythms that will enchant and delight spectators of all ages."  It's a great parade that is quite high quality and really a step above most regional park performances.

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There is so much going on and being offered as part of Grand Carnivale at Dorney Park, it really is a great compliment to the park's other rides, shows and attractions.  The event takes place weather permitting, each day - so make sure to visit before August 8th to take part in the fun!