Morgan County’s fireman’s carnival will return to town earlier than usual this year, with South Morgan Volunteer Fire Department kicking off its 5th year of the event next Tuesday, July 14. The carnival runs through Saturday evening, July 18 at the fire company grounds on Winchester Grade Road.
While the first four years brought rides, games and food in late August, this year the carnival fun arrives smack dab in the middle of summer.
When carnival ride company Snyder Attractions offered South Morgan the chance to bring the carnival to town earlier, the fire company seized the opportunity. The change helps alleviate scheduling conflicts with school activities in late August, say carnival organizers. They’re hopeful the timing will suit locals and visitors better.
Free entry, entertainment
Entry to the carnival and parking at the carnival grounds are free.
Entertainment is provided to the community through sponsorships from local and area businesses.
This year, free nightly entertainment at the bandstand includes:
–Ben Jamn on Tuesday at 7 p.m
–Eclipse: The Ultimate Journey Tribute band on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
–The Red Handed Band on Thursday at 7 p.m.
–Dean Crawford & The Dunns River Band on Friday at 7 p.m.
–Promising Leith on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Guests can bring a chair to listen to the music for free at the fire company stage.
Other carnival events include visits from Smokey the Bear and a guest appearance from Amelia Bolden, the West Virginia University Mountaineer Alternative Mascot on opening night, July 14.
On Friday, organizers will hold the Annual Baby Contest at 6 p.m. Registration of youngsters starts at 5 p.m. Age divisions range from 0-6 months to 36 months. Categories will include cutest smile, prettiest eyes, most photogenic and chubbiest cheeks.
Friday night will bring free fireworks to the carnival grounds, starting at 8:30 p.m.
WDWA will bring its pro-wrestling action to South Morgan as the “Clash at the Carnival” on Saturday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m for a free show.
Raffles & games
Three special items will be raffled off during the carnival, with winners drawn on Saturday night. Tickets can be purchased to win a hand-crafted quilt made by Jennifer Waugh, a custom wooden bench handmade and donated by the 304 Wild Hogs and a lottery ticket board with $50 cash bill and $150 worth of scratch-offs.
T&K Amusements will bring their carnival games for paying players.
The fire company will run its dime toss booth, dunk booth, tip jar sales and nightly bingo from 6 to 9 p.m. outside under the tent.
Rides & special treats
Those who want to ride carnival rides can purchase a ride-all-night armband or individual tickets for age-appropriate rides. Rides start running at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. On Saturday, rides will open at 4 p.n.
Pre-event ticket sales are available through July 13 at firemanscarnival.com. Tickets will be sold every night at the carnival.
The carnival is also bringing Monster Truck rides all five nights, as the public gets a chance to ride in the back of a mammoth special vehicle for a special fee.
Also new at the carnival this year is K.I.T.T., the specially-equipped car from the 1980s TV show Knight Rider. Fans will be able to see the vehicle up close and take photos on Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.
South Morgan will also host nightly fire extinguisher demonstrations.
Time to eat
Hungry visitors will have ample carnival food vendors to meet every taste. Snyder Attractions will bring their specialty offerings among the rides.
South Morgan Volunteer Fire Company’s food pavilion will be open nightly at 5 p.m. with hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, nachos, drinks, ice cream and more. The pavilion will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
To stay up to date on carnival happenings, follow the South Morgan Volunteer Fire Department on social media at https://www.facebook.com/SouthMorganFireDept
The carnival is held at 10166 Winchester Grade Road south of Berkeley Springs.
