Yes, it’s time once again for the annual Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company’s annual summer carnival, taking place this week (7/31-17 – 8/5/17) at the carnival grounds just outside of Clear Spring, Maryland.

In what’s become a sort of tradition at the Snyder household, we have driven by the grounds on several occasions on Sunday to see what sort of thrill rides and other delights the amusement company in charge of this year’s rides has brought to town for the week.  It looks like we’re in for some new rides this year, which has my girls excited (once again).  We’ve already gotten our discount tickets, so we’re ready to go (I say “we”, but am referring exclusively to the “under twenty-five” crowd, as anyone over that age has the common sense enough to look at the operators of these devices and realize that watching these rides from the ground is probably as exciting as it needs to get.  I’m also pretty sure that there is probably a clause somewhere in my life insurance policy that nullifies my coverage “in case of stupidity”.)

I also realize as I grow older that the carnival is the grand-daddy of fundraisers for all of the local school and civic organizations.  Be it sports, band, the ambulance club, or the fire company itself, this is the mother-load of money making opportunities for the community.  Trust me, if the locals aren’t attending the carnival (and spending their money), they are probably working as a volunteer at one of the many stands that dots the fairgrounds, providing free labor in order to maximize the profits of whatever organization they represent.  Members of my own family will be working several nights this week at various booths to show our support.  It truly is a community effort.

The sights, sounds, and smells of small-town America will be in full display this week.  Youngsters experiencing their first merry-go-round ride or spool of cotton candy, teen couples holding hands or stuffed animals won at the carnival games, seniors reuniting at lawn chairs and talking community events (and gossip) – it will all be there.  The smell of popcorn, candy apples, and lemonade will fill the air, riding the breeze over top of the music and lights of the carnival midway.  The clink of dimes hitting china and the cadence of the bingo caller will be heard over the murmur of conversations, warm greetings, and hearty handshakes of acquaintances catching up on events of the summer.

I myself am looking forward to my annual fried country ham sandwich and box of (world famous) hand cut fries.

Hope to see you there.