Westmoreland Mall to host carnival

It might be a while before Westmoreland Mall’s mini casino comes to fruition. In the meantime, the landmark along Route 30 in Hempfield is hosting a carnival.

Located in the parking lot outside the mall, the carnival — which starts at 5 p.m. Friday — will feature classic games like break the bottle and rides including a Ferris wheel, spinning teacups, a swinging pirate ship, a Magic Maze and Alien Abduction. Food vendors selling funnel cakes, fried Oreos, lemonade and burgers will be available.

Kristina Circelli, marketing director with CBL Properties in Chattanooga, Tenn., which owns the mall, said it is the first time the carnival will be held at Westmoreland Mall. The event is a way to attract new people to the area while promoting stores, restaurants and entertainment, she said.

“It’s always a positive to enhance that experience and remind the community of all the great things that await them at Westmoreland Mall beyond the current event, whether it’s a carnival or craft show or visit with Santa,” Circelli said. “In turn, our retailers benefit from the increase in traffic and the chance to interact with more guests visiting the center.”

Other malls owned by CBL — Hamilton Place in Tennessee, Eastland and Hickory Point malls in Illinois and Burnsville Center in Minnesota — have hosted carnivals over the years, Circelli said.

And in Westmoreland County, residents have responded positively, she said.

“Many guests have stopped by to watch the carnival being set up and to chat with the workers about what’s coming,” she said. “We’ve also started a ticket contest on our Facebook page and we’re getting so much excitement on there, so we know the community is looking forward to the carnival.”

People can enter to win free ride wristbands — valued at $25 — on the mall’s Facebook page. Those who comment on the post could win a family four pack. Winners are announced everyday at 4 p.m. through Facebook Messenger.

While admission to the event is free, between three and six tickets are required for rides. The cost for tickets ranges from $5 for four tickets and $50 for 56 tickets. An unlimited ride wristband costs $25. The event runs through 23, with hours weather-dependent.