Morgantown’s Pauly Whiteman, a third-generation “Morgantowner,” spent his boyhood summers anticipating weekends, when he’d get to meander through the town’s Fireman’s Carnival.
The Carnival, which ran for five weekends every summer, was a highlight in Morgantown during the 1970s and ’80s. Locals and others from surrounding areas couldn’t resist the myriad of sensory stimuli: bright lights; sizzling sausages; whirrrr-ticking game ‘o chance wheels; wares and foodstuffs for auction and sale.
Most importantly, the weekly event, which always featured some live entertainment, was the town’s own little “boardwalk.” People came to “be on the boardwalk,” to see old friends; meet new friends; for kids to explore and to have fun in a magical world that was far from the ordinary.
And so, Pauly Whiteman, just into his sophomore year as a Caernarvon Township (Berks) Supervisor, proposed a revival of the old Fireman’s Carnival-with a twist.
Instead of a five week, weekends only affair, Whiteman has modernized the concept, and in true “cybernetic” fashion, has compressed all the fun into a five-day extravaganza-complete with top-notch carnival rides, five nights of live entertainment, two “family nights) and Friday Night Lights (the firework variety).
The New Morgantown Carnival will take place from June 9-13, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the field adjacent to the playground and the Clyde Smith baseball diamond.
“I’ve been here all my life, and I got involved in politics because I do love my town,” Whiteman said when asked why he spends so much of his free time volunteering for a carnival revival that might not succeed.
“I spent a lot of time thinking about this (carnival revival),” says Whiteman, with a hint of mirth in an otherwise serious tone. “I thought we take the old format-five weeks-and do it in five days, with rides and a fireworks–something the township has never done before,” he said.
While the other supervisors thought it a great idea, Whiteman realized he’d have to forge ahead-so he turned to the Parks and Recreation Committee, led by Shannon Long. She, in turn, helped Whiteman assemble a Carnival Committee.
The committee has met for two months. In that short time, their progress has been steady and promising. The carnival vendor, Tons of Fun from Birdsboro, is booked, and fireworks are secured and deposits paid.
Seed money for the new carnival come from the Parks and Recreation budget.
“We would like to break even, and hope to make a profit to put back into our parks and rec coffers,” Whiteman said, “but that’s not our goal.”
Others agreed. Nora Seidel, a local volunteer and recording secretary of the committee opined, “I want to see community spirit return (to Morgantown).”
“I’ve only lived here two years, but I lived in Birdsboro before, and always brought my young children here for the games and food.”
Longtime Morgantown area residents Joe and Roseann Thomas, recently joined the committee, and wax poetic about the old Fireman’s Carnival.
“Back then, there was nothing like it!” exclaimed Roseann Thomas. “There were cake stands, and Joe would spin the wheel, I’d collect money (for cake chances). The wheel would stop, and people would get a cake!”
The essence of the new Morgantown Carnival is to rejuvenate the community.
“There isn’t a whole lot going on,” mused Seidel, while Whitman said, “This is just one way to start bringing “us” as a community together.”
Check out the Mogantown Carnival’s Facebook Page: Just search Morgantown Carnvial.
If you would like to volunteer the week of the carnival, email morgantowncarnival@gmail.com.
