Fishing, rides and a parade: Your guide to the 2023 Carp Carnival in Michigan Center

JACKSON, MI – It's almost time to enjoy rides, a parade and fishing during the 64th annual Carp Carnival in Michigan Center.

The event, hosted by the Michigan Center Lions and Lioness clubs, raises money for the clubs to give back to the community for scholarships, eye exams and community dinners.

Related: Fish, food and carnival rides: Get ready for the 2023 Carp Carnival

People can expect to see all the familiar Carp Carnival favorites, including a beer tent, rides, live music and fair food. Here's your guide with all the details to help you enjoy it.

Dates and times

The carnival is set for noon to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, in Leoni Township Park on Fifth Street in Michigan Center.

Rides

Admission to the Carp Carnival is free, but carnival rides require a wristband.

These can be purchased for $20 before the carnival at Tim's Market Party Store, Flagstar Bank, Lee's Lakeside Party Store or Stark's Party Store. Wristbands at the carnival cost $25.

Carnival rides are open 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Parade

The Carp Carnival parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10. Participants will gather at Arnold Elementary School, 4064 Page Ave., and head toward the Leoni Township Fire Department building, 915 Fifth St.

Those interested in participating in the parade should show up at the school between 9 and 10 a.m. A sign-up sheet can be found on the Michigan Center Lions and Lioness clubs’ Facebook page.

Fishing contest

The annual fishing tournament is open to youth and adults. Registration is $10 each. Interested anglers can register from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the lake's public landing.

Weigh-in times are 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. Only carp will be eligible for weigh-in. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place winners.

Beer tent

The beer tent is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Drink tickets cost $3 each, but some beer and wine will cost two tickets.

Food

There will be several food vendors at the event, including Fiske Fries, Fiske Lemonade and Randy's Roadside Bar-B-Que.

Live music

Several performers are playing at the Carp Carnival this year.

Music kicks off from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday with Haze Rik Skit on drums. Flyte will also play from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday.

The band 5 Second Rule, along with Mike Crupi, will play from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Fools Fait will also play from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Still Running Band, with Donnie Allen, will finish the weekend from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

T-shirts

The Michigan Center Lioness Club will sell "World's Greatest Carp Carnival" T-shirts and can coolers. T-shirts are $15 and coolers are being sold in three different sizes starting at $5.

More information and updates can be found on the event's Facebook page.