It is the 10th anniversary of Chants setting up its carnival on the foreshore at Lakes Entrance over the summer holidays, but there is a chance it could be the last.
The family-run business, which has entertained thousands of thrill seekers or those who enjoy the calmer side of the carnival for all 10 years has earned the respect of the community for the way its conducts such an event.
Les Chant said this year’s numbers attending are as good as, or perhaps even better, than other years.
Due to flooding at the Lakes Entrance Pony Club grounds last year, Chants workers and family were able to stay on site with their equipment. This is where they have been petitioning to stay for years and they feel last year proved there were no issues in doing so.
“East Gippsland Shire, Victoria Police, Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association (LEADA) were all fully supportive of us staying with our equipment, in fact no one really knew we were even there,” Les said.
“It really is a health and safety issue for us to stay with our rides. It prevents tampering and vandalism and as Lakes Entrance Police reported last year, they had no issues or call outs after hours to the carnival grounds.”
This year the Chants team applied to stay onsite again, which all the above organisations plus Parks and Gardens were happy with, but the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) refused a permit for this to happen.
IMAGE: Les Chant pictured with his daughter Claudia. Chants Carnival is a family-run business which has operated on the Lakes Entrance foreshore since 2012, however 2024 could be the last time, with Mr Chant assessing options with carnival staff and families not permitted to stay onsite with their equipment. He said other local councils have put in offers to host the carnival in upcoming years.
