The 2nd Annual Morgantown Carnival brought back nostalgia of the Old Fireman’s Carnival from years past, uniting the community and offering five days of fun.
Free admission, free parking, free fireworks, games, vendors, food and entertainment drew large crowds from June 14 to 18 to Caernavon Friendship Park in Morgantown.
Last year, Caernarvon Township (Berks) Supervisor Pauly Whiteman, who spent boyhood summer weekends at the magical Morgantown Old Fireman’s Carnival realized his dream to bring it back to life for the community.
“This is just one way to start bringing us as a community together. I’ve been here all my life, and I got involved because I love my town,” Whiteman said.
He and Shannon Long, who put together last year’s committee and worked to get the Township Parks and Recreation Board to help fund last year’s first extravaganza, were at it again!
And what a pay-off it was with added attractions of new food stands, rides, vendors, raffle prizes and entertainment.
“Nashville Recording Artist, Chad Reinert, a local man, played two sets and brought the house down singing “American Trilogy.” As the last note ended at 9:30 they turned off all the lights and the amazing fireworks started with a bang,” Long said.
“Friday night people started setting up chairs and blankets claiming their spots for the show and fireworks. We had between 2-3 thousand people that night. It was fabulous,” said Nora Seidel, who wears two hats as member of both the Carnival Committee and Caernarvon Township’s Park & Recreation Committee.
“I’m so happy to see community spirit return to Morgantown. I’ve only lived here a few years, but I lived in Birdsboro before, and always brought my young children here for the games and food; now I bring my grandchildren,” said Seidel.
Shannon and husband Chris Long greeted their children Adin and Maddie with curious grins seeing their new face paintings. That was a sight seen throughout the carnival adding to the fun.
This year’s committee included Chairperson Pauly Whiteman, Shannon Long, Colt Grazioli, Terri Payne, Frank Payne, Jack Hess, Roseann Thomas, Joe Thomas, Sara Pessognelli (student representative), and Nora Seidel.
Colt Grazioli, committee member and Captain at Twin Valley Fire Department, organized the entire Saturday Car and Bike Show and donated all the trophies for 1st place winners in each class.
“I just want to support the community. We pick random judges and people love to show their cars and bikes. This is my wife Heather, she’s along for the ride,” said Grazioli grinning at his wife beside him as Keith Romig was bringing in his bike.
The Twin Valley Fire Department members were kept busy everyday assisting with traffic control, selling Harley raffle tickets, spinning the wheel at the candy booth, giving fire safety demonstrations, and standing by at the fireworks.
“Our annual TVFD raffle has started for a Harley Fat Boy worth about $20,000,” said Chief Pete Hornberger. “Business was brisk last night, the fireworks were a huge draw.”
On display near the entrance was a chicken coop donated by local business G&B Sheds raffled off to benefit the Twin Valley Fire Police. The winner was Nick McDermott.
Longtime Morgantown area residents Joe and Roseann Thomas committee members excited by the return of the carnival were manning a booth. Present as usual at all community events.
Miller Keystone Bloodmobile had people rolling up their sleeves Friday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. It was quick and easy, so people could enjoy listening to the live band and later watch the fireworks.
“Fill out a form to win a free week at our summer camp,” said Pastor Philip Von from High Point Academy of Birdsboro. He was streaming videos of the kids’ camp and activities while handing out pens and wristbands at their booth.
Creekside Stables of Mohnton sold pony rides. The Honey Brook Angels stand was hosted by volunteers with Deb Ink, founder of the group whose mission is to raise money for families in need. Tri County Area Centershot Ministries, a gospel sharing and mission support group also had a stand.
Other non-profits included the Dunk Tank set up to raise money for “One Run Together”, a local charity for cancer patients. Another cancer charity, Hearts and Hugs of Hope, Jan Creitz’s group, held a raffle at their stand. Other booths included the Morgantown America Legion, the Wounded Warrior Tent, and Morgantown Athletic Association. The baseball and softball teams play on that field.
Girl Scout troops ran the Fish Bowl game for a chance to win Swedish fish candy or Goldfish crackers.
Stands with all the sticky, gooey, delicious, drippy food and drinks were jammed.
“These are the best tasting French Fries! Just like my mom makes and this is the best lemonade I ever tasted,” said Josh Quaintance from Morgantown. His grandparents Betty and John Gossert first met at the Old Fireman’s Carnival before they got married.
Mazie Holland posted on Facebook, “Mostly, the Morgantown Carnival is a childhood memory for me and I thank the committee for bringing this back to our town and for me to enjoy. Thanks all of you!!!”
