Morgantown’s own “Throwback to the Future” Summer Carnival has finalized its five-day entertainment calendar, and there is only one word to describe it: “Morga-pa-looza.”
Don’t be scared. Hordes of hipsters won’t come from the hinterlands to overtake our hamlet.
But with five nights of variety entertainment, expect an influx of happy faces and a boost in bonus business.
The Carnival takes place June 9 to 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
“We put together a five-day, eight-event entertainment slate that we think meets our goals, and those of the area,” says Kelly Starzmann, entertainment chairperson for the Morgantown Carnival Committee of Ten. “And that’s to bring our local community together for five days of community and fun.”
Starzmann notes that when local entertainers learned of Morgantown’s efforts to revive its once-popular Carnival, entertainers started contacting the Committee.
“They chose us!” she said, “and we were able to choose entertainers with ties to the community, or (performers) that provide the kind of music or activity (we) know that (our community) prefers.”
Tuesday, June 9, is Country Night from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Country Karaoke by Morgantown’s own “Carnival Duke” Fries. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Eclipse Entertainment’s DJ Johnny A.
Wednesday, June 10, is DJ Spinning All Night from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Country Karaoke by Morgantown’s own “Carnival Duke” Fries. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. is Berks’ County’s own DJ Jon Gosselin, the celebrity dad from “Jon and Kate plus 8.”
Thursday, June 11 is “Oldies” Night from 6 to 10 p.m. with Classic Rock by “Special Guest Villains.” This four-piece rock band plays music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Friday, June 12, is Classic Rock Night from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring “Just Us Spaceman.” Jam along with “Just Us Spaceman,” a local band mixing classic rock, blues and funk. At about 9 p.m. will be the fireworks display.
Saturday, June 13, is Mixing It Up with all day entertainment. From 9 to 10 a.m. is Country Karaoke by Morgantown’s own “Carnival Duke” Fries. From 4 to 5 p.m. “Heaven’s Thunder” will bring it’s own brand of southern Rock with hints of Lynrd Skynrd and Casting Crowns. From 6 to 6:45 p.m. Jonathan Hayes, a 13-year-old singer-songwriter from Harmonyville, brings original songs to Morgantown to close out the Carnival. He’s influenced by John Denver, among others.
Pauly Whiteman, Carnival Committee chairperson and Caernarvon Township (Berks) Supervisor, notes that the Entertainment Committee, including Starzmann, Nora Seidel, Shannon Long and others did a yeoman’s effort with the entertainment portion of the Carnival.
“Really, though, I couldn’t be more pleased with how things are going,” he said, offering that the Committee has had to stop themselves from adding more activities to the event. “We’ve all been pleased with the level of support that has come from our community. The feedback from Morgantown and the surrounding area has just been so positive.”
The Committee will be offering five-day Carnival MegaPasses for sale at the Morgantown Crossings Wal-Mart every Saturday and Sunday until June 7 for a 15 percent savings over gated ticket prices, and includes all entertainment except for mechanical bull riding, which is ticketed separately. MegaPasses are also available at Morgantown Notary, 3200 Main St. Morgantown, during business hours.
Carnival Vendor spaces are open for local businesses and other sellers, as the non-profit deadline has passed. Email morgantowncarnival@gmail.com for more information.
