Carnival begins setting up ahead of opening in Whanganui

Preparations have started for the annual Mega Fun Carnival ahead of the three-day event in Whanganui. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

The annual Mega Fun Carnival has begun preparations for its weekend in Whanganui.

Organised and set up by Mahon’s Amusements, the carnival is a North Island tradition dating back more than 70 years.

Founded by Roy Mahon in 1948, the fairground carnival has been passed down the generations and has ended up in the hands of his grandchildren, Paul Mahon and C.J. Mahon.

Paul Mahon (pictured) and cousin C.J. Mahon have been tasked with providing Whanganui with an action-packed weekend. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

After events in Gisborne, Rotorua and Wellington, the amusement park is primed and ready for Whanganui this weekend.

It is at the racecourse from Friday to Sunday (November 15-17).

Expect family and thrill rides, along with food and games – as well as Mahon’s newest phenomenon, The Ali Baba.

The new Ali Baba thrill ride will be in action at Mahon's Whanganui Carnival this weekend.

The family-friendly thrill ride takes its riders 20m above the ground and swings around the main pillar, making for an enthralling experience.

“It is very, very popular, I can tell you that much,” Paul Mahon said.

The Mahons and their 50-odd employees began their preparations on a sunny, warm Tuesday. Stubbies and singlets were the fashion trending at the racecourse.

“It’s certainly a lot nicer up here than in Wellington last weekend,” Mahon said.

However, MetService is forecasting rain for the end of the week in Whanganui.

“I don’t bother reading the weather forecast any more, but the rides are structurally sound if that is the concern,” Mahon said.

Entry is free and the carnival rides operate with a coupon system.

The carnival will operate on Friday 6.30-10pm, Saturday 11am-4pm then 6.30-10pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.