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WARSAW — Hundreds if not thousands of people lined the streets of Warsaw this evening in an effort to attend a carnival event hosted by ABC’s “The Bachelor”.

The show began filming in the Warsaw and Winona Lake area on Friday, showcasing aspects of Warsaw native Ben Higgins life and interests. Higgins, a recent contestant on “The Bachelorette” was named ABC’s newest bachelor following the conclusion of his time on the “The Bachelorette”.

The event, which was held on Buffalo and Main streets offered guests an opportunity to not only appear on camera, but to enjoy complimentary rides as well as purchase food and games during the evening.

The carnival featured two thrill seeking rides as well as a ferris wheel and a carousel. Strung lights, paper lanterns and numerous fall decorations filled the streets. Camera crews were stationed on rooftops and cranes with enormous lights positioned to optimize filming for the show.

Before being admitted, guests were required to sign a release consenting to be filmed, be photographed and receive a wristband. No one under 18 was permitted into the event without a guardian present as well.

“The event has been very well organized and everyone seems to be behaving greatly,” noted Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallamer. “The fall leaves, beautiful weather and even a full moon… everything really seems to be falling into place. I’ve talked to the producers of the show and they seem to really love it here. They have all been so good to work with … From what I understand they have brought a couple hundred people into the community and they are doing their business here. I am confident our community will reflect well on the show.”

On Sept. 24, a filming notification was submitted by NZK Productions, Inc., announcing the production company’s plans to film scenes for the reality show at the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Sunday, Oct. 25 and Monday, Oct. 26.

Scenes for the reality show were also filmed at Rex’s Rendezvous from 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, as well as in Winona Lake and the Baker Youth Club, where Higgins use to volunteer his time.

Though filming is beginning to wind down after this evening’s event, one final event will reportedly be filmed Monday evening at the Kosciusko County Courthouse. It is speculated the filmed event will be a “rose ceremony” on the recently repaved courthouse steps.

Several streets have been closed for a period of time to allow for filming to occur. Though streets were closed, for the majority of the time, sidewalks have been open.

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Closings included: North Buffalo Street, between West Center and West Main streets, from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 24; West Center Street, between North Buffalo and North Lake streets from 1 p.m. Oct. 24, to 6 a.m. on Oct. 27; the North Buffalo Street and West Center Street intersection from 1 p.m. on Oct. 24, to 6 a.m. Oct. 27; and the North Buffalo Street and West Main Street intersection, from 12 p.m. Oct. 24, to 6 a.m. Oct. 26, and from 6 p.m. Oct 26, to 6 a.m. Oct. 27.