Delco fire department permanently cancels annual carnival after melee

The Aston Township Fire Department has decided to shut down its spring carnival two days early and permanently cancel the annual fund-raiser after a melee Thursday night brought police from surrounding Delaware County communities to restore order.

Aston police on Friday said five juveniles, whose names were not released because of their age, had been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

In a Facebook post, Sean Joyce, the fire department’s president, said he and his department’s members “would like to apologize to the residents of Aston as well as the surrounding community for the unfortunate events that transpired this evening at our 2019 Spring Carnival. Which was once a local family tradition, has turned into a landing spot for out of town troublemakers.”

Joyce added: “In an effort to maintain the great relationship we have worked so hard to develop with the residents of Aston we have collectively made the decision to shut the carnival down permanently.”

Police said fights erupted Thursday when a large crowd gathered as the carnival was about to close for the night.

“While on scene, there were reports tonight of possible shots being fired and guns being pulled. This is inaccurate," police said in a statement. Aston police said officers at the scene called for backup, and units from “numerous” surrounding departments responded before the crowds were dispersed.