RUMFORD – The traditional carnival that accompanies the Moontide Water Festival and helps to pay for the July Fourth fireworks won’t be happening this year.

Moontide Committee Chairman Matt Plante said he learned last week that Carr Shows won’t be able to set up in the downtown area for the July 1-4 contracted dates.

But, he said, the fireworks will go on as planned on July 4, and all the other events scheduled for July 1-4 will happen as well.

He said the committee signed a contract with Carr Shows for the rides and vendors, but he was told that the Carr Shows employee who handles regulations governing carnivals was in the hospital and not able to take care of his duties.

Plante said the matter has been referred to the town’s lawyer, who will decide whether there is a breach of contract.

Since he learned that the carnival wasn’t coming, Plante has tried to find another carnival, but has been unsuccessful. He has also talked with officials from chambers of commerce and the state.

Meanwhile, the committee is continuing to try to raise the $20,000 needed to put on a fireworks display equivalent to past shows. Although only $15,000 has been raised, Plante said the usual amount of fireworks will be shot off because the supplier has agreed to extend payment until September. At least $10,000 more in donations is needed to pay that bill and some of the many other costs associated with the festival.

Funds generated by the carnival generally pay for a large portion of the fireworks and other costs.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the fireworks and festival fund may drop off contributions at the Moontide office at 25 Congress St., or may mail them to the Moontide Water Festival Committee, P.O. Box 372, Rumford, ME 04276.

Four days of music, dance, comedy, a car show, food vendors, crafts displays and other events are going ahead as planned.

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