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The empty field near South Carroll High School won't be empty next week as rides fill the grass, and smells of food float through the air along with music at the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department's yearly carnival.
The event, which runs Monday through Saturday, is biggest fundraiser of the year for the company that responds to hundreds of calls a year.
"The carnival raised $60,000 last year, and we are hoping for as much or more this year," said Scott Legore, the company's president, who said proceeds are weather dependent.
The money goes to the general fund for the department, which is used to make up the difference in the operating budget not covered by county funding, as well as to apparatus and building expenses not funded by the county.
Buffet dinners are available each night in an air-conditioned hall, prices ranging from $11 for most to $15 for Fridays seafood-themed dinner. Iced tea, coffee and lemonade are always offered with the meals that range from Italian sausage and meatloaf to roast beef and fried shrimp.
Children 2 to 10 years old can eat for half-price, and baked goods are available nightly.
Ride specials are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For $10, patrons can ride all night. The tickets can be bought online or picked up at the firehouse at 1320 West Old Liberty Road in Sykesville.
Tickets are also available at Russ Country Gardens at the intersection of Md. routes 26 and 27. Only 2,500 of the advance tickets will be sold.
Rides, which run from 6 to 11 p.m., are by Rosedale Attractions, a Baltimore-based company that provides rides to other local carnivals.
The 2009 Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department Fire Prevention Queen Contests will be held on Monday. There are three age groups in the contest, Miss Winfield (Ages 16-21), Junior Miss Winfield (ages 11-15) and Little Miss Winfield (ages 8-10).
The Fire Prevention Queens represent the department at various events and help with spreading the message of fire safety.
The 2009 Carnival Parade will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Parade organizer Jason Jackman said the event will include numerous fire departments from all over, several different boy and girl scout troops, several antique fire trucks and cars, some local banks, towing companies, horse/mule organizations, mini dirt bike organization, cheerleaders and swim teams.
"Really any group or organization is invited just show up," Jackman said, saying it's good to have an earlier RSVP, but registration can be filled out the night of the parade. "The more the merrier."
The parade route will run from Winfield Elementary School along Salem Bottom Road to West Old Liberty Road and ends at the fire station.
Rules for the parade include no blowing of sirens during the parade, throwing candy at the judges' stand or flaming batons.
"No, we have not had a flaming baton incident but if you don't list it someone will try it," Legore said.
Those looking for community service opportunities can -mail the carnival at carnival@winfieldvfd.org.
"It worked well last year so we are continuing it again this year," said Legore, who added that supervision will be assigned to kids.
There are two different opportunities set up: daytime Tuesday through Saturday 9-11 a.m. doing clean-up and other various details around the carnival grounds or Monday through Saturday 7 – 10 p.m.
There are several raffles at the carnival, including ones for $50,000 and a Harley motorcycle. Tickets can be purchased at the fire company's Web site at www.winfieldvfd.org.
Monday
-Fire Prevention Queen Contest 8:30 p.m.
-Special Ride Night - Ride All Night for One Low Price 6-11 p.m.
-Band – Vintage — between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Tuesday
-Special Ride Night - Ride All Night for One Low Price 6-11 p.m.
-Band - Van Dells between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Wednesday
-Giant Fireman's Parade – 7p.m.
-Special Ride Night - Ride All Night for One Low Price 6-11 p.m.
-Band - Jay Henley and the Stonebroke between 7:30 and
8 p.m.
Thursday
-Band - Poison Whiskey between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Friday
-Giant Firework's Display- 10:30 p.m.
-Band - Classic Case between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Saturday
-Drawing of all Raffles
-Band - Big Cam & the Lifters between 7:30 and 8 p.m.
