Addison Shepherd takes the lead over Clark Patterson during the Big Wheel Race. (Photos by Maggie Kenworthy)

WARSAW  — Central Park was crowded with families on Friday, Aug. 5 for the annual Family Carnival. Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department held the event from 6 to 9 p.m.

One of the main events of the evening was the 35th annual Big Wheel Championship sponsored by Penguin Point. Each child who raced a big wheel received a gift certificate to Penguin Point just for participating in the fun. The races were divided into two age groups: ages 4 to 5-year-old and ages 6 to 7-year-old.

First place winners in each age group won a new bicycle and a trophy, second place winners won a $10 gift certificate and a trophy and third place winners won a $5 gift certificate and a trophy.

Winners for the 6 to 7-year-old group were as follows:

First Place – Grant Payton
Second Place – Kailynn Young
Third Place – Christa Linnemeir

Winners for the 4 to 5-year-old group were as follows:

First Place – Addison Shepherd
Second Place – Clark Patterson
Third Place – Ryne Smith

The Big Wheel Race wasn’t the only activity that entertained children for the evening. There were a large variety of games, blow-up obstacles, face painting, a dunk tank, a magic show and much more.

The carnival was sponsored and made possible by many local businesses. Gold level sponsorship was by Penguin Point and Kosciusko Community Hospital. Silver level sponsorship by NIPSCO and Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Bronze level sponsorship was by Century 21 Bradley Realty, Physician’s Urgent Care and Grossnickle Eye Center.