Fights force closure of another NJ carnival

☑️Florence Township canceled the Roebling Carnival after fights broke out

☑️Five people were charged with disorderly conduct and one police officer was injured

☑️Edison mayor warns about Saturday mall takeover

FLORENCE — Fights and unruly behavior have led to the cancellation of another New Jersey carnival.

The Roebling Carnival in Florence Township was canceled after fights broke out on Wednesday night. Police arrested four teenage girls, aged 14-16, and a 20-year-old. They were charged with disorderly conduct.  One officer was injured during the melee, officials say.

Police said that "out of an abundance of caution" and due to how quickly events escalate into "large fights, unruly behavior and destruction of property," the decision was made to cancel the rest of the fair. It was scheduled to run through Saturday. It traditionally includes rides, games, vendors and live music.

"As seen in similar regional events, the gathering became overwhelmed by unruly individuals requiring immediate action on the scene to restore order and maintain public safety," Florence police said.

Carnival workers already started packing up the rides on Thursday, according to CBS Philadelphia.

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Mayor: 'Fun is great! Hooliganism is not'

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi late Friday night said there will be no takeover of the Menlo Park Mall promoted by a 14-year-old for Saturday.

The mayor took a hard stand against any planned pop-ups and warned that violators could be liable for up to $1,000 in fines and a delay in getting their driver's license.

"Edison police has among the best crime-solving rates in the nation. Think twice before choosing Edison as your playground," Joshi said.

The carnival at nearby Woodbridge Center scheduled for Saturday was canceled because of staffing issues on the part of organizer, according to the mall.

Unruly crowds ruin events

Unruly crowds have led to several cancellations of carnivals this year.

A pop-up party that was promoted online drew "several hundred" teens to Long Branch, many of whom arrived by NJ Transit trains. Six people, including four juveniles, were charged with disorderly conduct.

Point Pleasant Beach police believe they have successfully squashed a beach takeover pop-up party that was promoted for Saturday night after serving a cease-and-desist order on its organizers. Officers say they will be ready if anyone shows up for the party and will prosecute unruly visitors to the fullest extent of the law.

A carnival benefiting Maple Shade youth football was called off in April after fights overwhelmed police as rumors of someone having a gun spread.

The carnival in Florence is named for the family whose factory in the 1800s produced the steel cables used for the George Washington, Brooklyn and Golden Gate bridges.

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