by Lisa Schauer
Don’t say goodbye to summer yet. South Morgan VFD’s Fourth Annual Fireman’s Carnival opens on Tuesday, August 26 and runs through Sunday, August 31. A sixth day has been added this year.
Admission and parking at carnival are free. Wristbands for rides can be purchased at the gate or in advance at firemanscarnival.com for a $5 discount.
“You’ll get more bang for your buck on Saturday,” said event organizer and fire department president Dale Heironimus
The midway of updated rides will be open for six hours on Saturday, from 4 until 10 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday, rides are open for four hours, starting at 6 p.m. Rides will run for five hours on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.
A food pavilion and carnival games will open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Back by popular demand this year, “Elvis” will perform with a full band on Wednesday.
For the first time, a Journey tribute band will headline on Saturday. Country musicians and a classic rock band will also entertain. Music starts at 7 p.m. on the bandstand.
For those who still can’t get enough of the ‘80’s, local favorite, the Flashbacks will close the bandstand on Sunday at 2 p.m.
There is no charge and the public can bring their own chair to listen in comfort.
Continuing a long Labor Day tradition, South Morgan VFD will cook and serve ham and chicken dinners with all the fixings inside the social hall on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For many years, the fire company hosted an annual Labor Day yard party, where the dinners were a highlight along with fireman’s games.
This will be the 55th year of the ever-popular South Morgan ham and chicken dinner. Volunteers are preparing to serve 700 meals, said Heironimus.
After dinner, a live auction, including furniture, gift cards and other donated items, will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the social hall.
Before dinner, catch the Miss South Morgan pageant at 11 a.m. A fire-eating thrill show happens at 2 p.m., and Birds of Prey at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Bingo will be held outside under a tent at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
A free fireworks display will take place on Friday, August 29 at 8:30 p.m. 
Also on Friday, the cutest baby contest will be at 5 p.m. Pro wrestling matches, featuring WWE alum Bill Bain, Championship Pro Wrestling’s Shane Shadows, and a ladies’ match, will start at 7 p.m.
Fireman’s Carnival closes at 10 p.m. nightly, and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. It will be held at South Morgan VFD, 10166 Winchester Grade Road in Berkeley Springs.
Proceeds from the Fireman’s Carnival go to benefit South Morgan Volunteer Fire Department, which answers about 200 calls a year with volunteers from the community, according to Heironimus.
Anyone who wants more information about the carnival and schedule of events can go to firemanscarnival.com or watch the fire company’s Facebook page.
