The two are just part of the more than 140 volunteers who make the carnival happen, said Terry Baker, carnival chairman. ‘‘A lot of the people are here every night, and they do it every year.”
The fire company has about 65 to 70 active volunteers, said Jimmy Linton, one of the volunteers.
The carnival is the main fundraiser for the organization, which hopes to earn more than $75,000 with the event this year, said Doug Alexander, spokesman for the fire company.
This year’s event is raising money for costs, such as new equipment to replace worn-out gear, including ambulances, which cost around $135,000, he said.
The carnival runs from 6-11 p.m. through Saturday at the carnival grounds, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy.
The event features food, games and rides, including three new to the carnival this year: Wiggleworm, Typhoon and the Tomb of Doom.
‘‘I always drive by and think I should go,” said Sonja Coupard, a Monrovia resident who came with her mother, sister and daughter.
‘‘I like the smell, the sounds, the kids screaming and laughing. It’s a social thing,” she said as they waited for her daughter to exit a ride.
‘‘We always see someone we know,” said her sister, MaryEllen Bumgardner of Mount Airy, as Coupard waved to someone in the distance.
The carnival has a variety of food, including daily buffet dinners from 5-8 p.m. in an air-conditioned activities building.
Dave Musick of Damascus, and also a former fire volunteer in Laytonsville, said he and his wife always go to eat a few times there.
‘‘They always have some type of chicken,” he said. ‘‘We look at it as a donation.”
Linda Brightwell, who has been a part of the carnival for about 36 years, decided to add fresh-squeezed lemonade to this year’s lineup of offerings.
‘‘My theory was right,” said Brightwell as she and fellow volunteer Janet Woodfield sliced, squeezed and stirred the pale liquid. ‘‘People do like fresh squeezed lemonade.”
Vendors Mack and Sue Shifflett of Shifflett Racing, who attend several fairs and carnivals selling NASCAR apparel and wind spinners, said they like the Mount Airy carnival because their children live nearby and visit.
‘‘This carnival has grown,” Mack said. ‘‘But everyone knows someone here.”
Daily entertainment for the carnival usually starts around 7:30 p.m., Baker said. Acts include Allen Brown & the Wishing Well, classic country, tonight; Great Train Robbery, classic rock, Friday; and Charlie Kenney, with a blend of rock and country, Saturday.
People can call 301-829-0100 ext. 2 for information on nightly entertainment and buffet menus, Baker said.
The parade takes place at 7 p.m. today, traveling down Main Street to Park Avenue and ending at the carnival grounds.
Saturday night will include fireworks around 10:30, he said.
Raffles from different organizations will be held this year, including chances to win a trip to Cancun, a quilt, grocery store gift cards and cash.
Parking and entertainment for the carnival are free.
Visit the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company’s Web site, www.mavfc.org or call Baker at 301-829-0100 ext. 63 for information.
