Village of Lancaster 4th of July Carnival returns, bringing back small-town tradition

LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The 4th of July Carnival was back in the Village of Lancaster for the first time in years on Friday, once again drawing families to the heart of the community for some classic, small-town fun.

Village officials said the return of the carnival is something residents have been asking for -- and for many, it’s more than just an event.

“It’s long overdue,” said Dee Miller, a Lancaster village trustee. “Residents have asked for it, especially the folks that have raised their kids here and grew up here themselves, because they want their kids to enjoy the same experience that they did, including myself. So, it’s very important that it’s back.”

Miller said the revival of the event honors the village’s roots while proving that growth and tradition can go hand-in-hand.

“It means a lot to show them again that even with change and development and building, which are all wonderful and great things, we can still hold on to some of that small-town tradition,” she said. “That was the reason we moved here or stayed here in the first place.”

Bringing the carnival back took months of planning, according to Mayor William Schroeder.

“We do it better than anybody,” Schroeder said. “It takes a lot of planning and a lot of cooperation from the different departments and vendors. To see it all pull together is just wonderful.”

The carnival will run through Saturday, with activities planned throughout both days.

“We’ll be here all day today and tomorrow,” Schroeder said. “So come on out and enjoy it. Bring your family and spend the day with the main cast. You’ll love it.”

Whether it’s the rides, the games, or the sense of nostalgia, leaders hope the event not only brings joy but also strengthens the bonds in a growing community.