Banners removed, but event still on

The banner signs have been taken down on the main Boulevard, but city officials want the public to know the carnival will go on as scheduled.

The Indiana Department of Public Safety (DOPS) sent a letter to businesses in area telling them that a boards, banner signs, magnetic signs and temporary fascia signs must be removed for the day of the carnival. In keeping with the ruling the banner declaring this year’s carnival duly came down that same day.

Organisers of the event were worried that the banners sudden disappearance might suggest the carnival had been canceled quickly responded with an advert in the local press to remind everyone that the popular annual event is still going ahead as planned.

Speaking from his office, Public Safety Officer Sean Rowan said "We are just being cautious, we don't want anyone injured by a boards, banners, magnetic signs or any other signage."

"We’re taking a very proactive response to the situation," Scharmen said. "For now the banner at Walsingham has been relocated to private property owned by James Roth at Forth Avenue and Third Avenue."

The DOPS ruling may also limit all future illuminated signs along the main Boulevard including seasonal decorations during holiday events.

"The city has no other structures along the main Boulevard where we can display these banners" Rowan said. "For now we have done what we can, last year there were some injuries from a boards and magnetic signs."