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Good crowds, great parade - no rain
BY GINA HAMILTON • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
 | | The Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department garnered the award for best appearing municipal fire engine in the carnival parade on Saturday afternoon. Another department entry was recognized as oldest fire truck. (Recorder photos by Gina Hamilton) |
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MILLBORO - "I cannot remember the carnival without rain, but this year, it stood still," said Rhonda Grimm, treasurer for the Millboro Volunteer Fire Association. "Even though it was very hot, we had a great time."
The enthusiasm in her voice couldn't be missed as she added, "The crowd was plentiful, the weather was fantastic, the new (amusement) show was a major hit, and yes - we made a profit."
While the financial results were still being tallied early this week, Grimm said she anticipates that the association will see double the profit from last year, when only about $5,000 was raised. Rain created havoc on the carnival grounds after the parade that year and people left early. The four-day event was also held later in the month, coinciding with the opening day of school.
But last week, as temperatures cooled down for the 7 p.m. opening each evening, family nights for ticket prices on the rides Wednesday and Thursday were especially popular. People also came to check out the new rides brought to the carnival by Buffalo Brothers Amusements, owned by Will Harris and his sons Tommy and Lee, all of the local area. From the big ferris wheel to a kiddie car ride, it was geared for families. The most unique ride, a 1915 wooden horse carousel, held center stage. Harris said he plans to continue restoration of this vintage attraction.
 | | Dakota Morris, 4, of Craigsville, makes quick work of a ride down the chute at the carnival. The chute proved a popular attraction for the younger visitors. |
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According to Grimm, Harris seems exited about coming back to the carnival next year, "and we are excited to have them. They did an excellent job and were a very friendly and caring bunch of people," she said. "I heard people complimenting the rides and the set-up and everybody seemed to enjoy the nights."
And the bingo tent had no shortage of patrons as people opted for the quiet diversion on the four hot summer nights, especially with an eye toward getting a winning card.
 | | Teenagers wait to hitch a ride on the popular ferris wheel at the Millboro Firemen's Carnival. |
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When it was time for the Ruritan club's tasty chicken barbecue dinners on Saturday afternoon, the line of customers formed promptly at 4 p.m. Diners had a choice of buying half a chicken, or a complete dinner. Grimm said they came close to selling out. The fire association receives part of the proceeds from the dinners as well as the rides.
The parade followed at 5 p.m. Saturday and had more than 60 entries this year; various awards and prizes were awarded (see related story). People and cars lined up an hour early along the parade route from Millboro Elementary School to the carnival grounds in the industrial park.
The association's many volunteers brought this annual family event to town again, continuing a tradition of more than 30 years.
"I would like to thank again all the members for their hard work and those that came out as support volunteers (cooks, booth runners)," said Grimm. "Also, to the community, thanks for coming out and sharing in this carnival season. We had fun and we hope you did, too. Without everyone one of you we could not have run this event and been successful."
 | | Makaya Morris, 2 , enjoy her ride in a big car at the carnival as she looks around for family members from Craigsville. |
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The carnival is one of two major fund-raisers for the fire association. The Millbilly Bluegrass Concert follows on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Carnival parade winners Best Appearing Municipal Fire Engine - Craigsville Best Appearing Rural Fire Engine - Burnsville Largest Fire Company Participating in Parade - Goshen Best Appearing Mini Pumper - Covington Best Appearing Brush Truck - Mountain Grove Best Appearing Tanker - Burnsville Oldest Fire Truck - Craigsville Fire Apparatus Traveling Longest Distance - Kerrs Creek Best Appearing Fire/EMS Special Purpose Unit - Burnsville Best Appearing Rescue Squad (organization) - Goshen Rescue Squad Traveling Longest Distance - Goshen Best Appearing Antique Vehicle - Mark Fry (first); Dicky Engleman (second) Best Appearing Antique Farm Tractor - Charles Alexander Best Appearing Classic Tractor - Alex Fry Best Appearing Horse and Rider - Kimberly Lindsay Best Appearing ATV/Motorcycle - Mitchell Stinespring Best Appearing Classic Car Made Before 1985 - Jennifer Ford (first); Bill Chambers (second) Best Original 4x4 - Travis Randozzo (first), Ernie Deel (second) Best Overall 4x4 - Joshua Robertson Best Appearing New Vehicle Made After 1985 - Linda Keyser (first), Annette Loan (second) Best Appearing Commercial Vehicle - Bath County Collision Center Best Appearing Comical - Jessica McClung Judge's Choice, Best in Parade - Amanda Benson with her 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible.
 | | A fun entry in Saturday's parade in Millboro was a fellow who appears to be riding part of a brush mower, zooming around in circles part of the way. |
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 | | Members of the Millboro Ruritan Club dish out steaming hot chicken dinners on a steaming hot Saturday afternoon at the annual firemen's carnival. Keeping up with the crowd in line are, from left, Steve Weintraub, and Steve Halterman. |
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 | | Tyler Thompson, 7, of Millboro, gives the High Striker a prize-winning whack. The attraction's owner, Monty Bowman of Clifton Forge, said he brought the mini-version for the youngsters to challenge themselves with. He has supported the carnival fundraiser for the Millboro Volunteer Fire Association most years since 1996. |
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 | | Carnival-goers wander the grounds. |
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 | | A red vintage Chevy is an attention getter in the carnival parade in Millboro last Saturday. |
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