The Dartmouth Mall Carnival kicked off this week and those there for day three on Saturday, May 4 were having a blast.

With rides, games and the return of food the excitement was clear. The carnival will run until Sunday, May 12. On Thursdays and Fridays, it will operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The carnival will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kylie Vertentes, 10, of New Bedford had only just arrived with her mom when she won a stuffed crayon playing darts and a pet goldfish throwing a ball into a blue bucket — though she hasn’t yet picked out a name.

Thinking about the afternoon ahead of her, she said, “I think I'm going to have fun.”

Savannah Woodall, 10, and Jeff Niles of Dartmouth have been coming to the Dartmouth Mall Carnival for what has felt like “Savannah’s whole life,” Niles said.

Woodall said what she most looks forward to every year is the ferris wheel and “going up high.”

Niles agreed, adding he’s seen “a lot of improvements from last year.”

“I'm happy the food is back,” he said as the two were on their way to get ice cream.

They said they were also happy about the number of rides they have been able to do together this year.

Lindsey Cruz of Dartmouth came to the carnival for the first time this year with Hayden Cruz, 8, Hudson Cruz, 7, Aubree Santos, 9, and Camryn Silva, 6. They were the first ones in line for the next round on the Pharoah, which is a giant ship that swings back and forth in the air. 

Hayden said, “We haven’t done anything yet — this is our first stop.”

However, they all agreed this was the ride they were most looking forward to. 

All the kids said they were excited to go on more of the rides afterward as well.

In regard to the carnival, Hudson said, “I really like it.”

Lindsey said, “I just love that this year it feels very safe.”

She added, “We were very excited to hear of all the precautions that were being taken and definitely took advantage of that and that's why we're here.”

One of those precautions was a new minor policy instituted this year.

According to the mall’s website, all children between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone that is 21 years or older. The parent, guardian or chaperone will be personally responsible for any minor in their care.

Each adult can only chaperone four minors at a time. Groups larger than four individuals under the age of 18 will require an additional chaperone for every four minors. Proof of age may be required for any guests. Valid types of identification include driver’s license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa or military ID.

Other first timers included Lauren Quarles, Keylani Burke, Irene Nunez, Jayla Burke, 7, and London Quarles, 7, who came from Fall River. 

Nunez said she follows the mall on Facebook and saw them posting about the carnival. 

Lauren said although she felt everything was quite “expensive,” the food was good – a unanimous sentiment among the group.

Keylani said she enjoyed the classic Zipper ride, and also the cotton candy. 

London said the carnival was “pretty good,” especially the Jumbo ride, which seats people in elephants that are then raised into the air and spun around in a circle.

Jayla especially loved the rides and “how you spin and spin around.”

Overall, she said, “I think it's great. I think it's fun.”