If it’s time to break the monotony and have a change of scenery, one can go to the carnival.

Tom Evans United Shows is hosting a carnival at Memorial Hall. It began April 10 and runs through April 20.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. weekends.

Doors usually close at midnight, but depending on the size of the crowd present, doors may close sooner, said Beth Kownslar facility and events manager.

Memorial Hall charges the promoter $1,000 per day.

The carnival has been coming to Joplin for more than five years, Kownslar said.

“It provides entertainment for kids in the area that don’t have the resources to go anywhere else,” she said.

The carnival offers a gamut of games, concessions and rides. Some of the rides offered at the carnival are bumper cars, the Ferris wheel, the Kamikaze and “anything that spins,” Kownslar said.

“They have quite a few (games), either you’re throwing something or shooting a basket. There is even a NASCAR game.”

Security will be present for the duration the carnival is in town.

On weekends, the number of police officers present will be increased due to larger crowds, said Det. Victor Sly of the Joplin Police Department.

“Within minutes, additional officers can be there,” he said.

JPD has extra officers patrolling Main Street on weekends who can be called to the event if needed.

Sly could not reveal how many police officers would be present at the carnival because of security reasons, but said the event would be “adequately staffed for the number of people there.”

“There haven’t been any stabbings or assaults (in the past),” he said. “It’s been pretty safe.”

On weekends, mostly families, middle school and high school students are present, Sly said.

Tickets can be bought to ride the various rides throughout the week. Fridays are wristband night.

Wristbands are $12 and allow individuals to ride any ride as often as they wish.