Though the skies threatened a washout several evenings last

Though the skies threatened a washout several evenings last week, the rains held off and the Sperryville , Volunteer Fire Department’s annual - carnival did not suffer a repeat of last year’s misfortune. On Sunday, Chief Ricky Lillard reported a “rough gross” of around $20,000 for the five-day event, and pronounced it a success. “That’s up quite a bit from last year,” he said, when torrential | downpours on Friday and Saturday nights rained out the event. “On behalf of the rest of the de. partment,” Chief Lillard said, “I’d i like to thank all of the people who came out to the carnival and sup. ported the department. And we couldn’t have done it without the . help of the many volunteers within and outside the department who i gave their time and effort to help. I • can’t begin to thank them all individually, but you know who you are, and we appreciate your help. ” Assistant Chief Greg Wayland, the carnival committee’s chairman, kdded that the help of the many Sperryville residents who worked before and during the carnival was -• particularly appreciated. “Without the support of the community, our ■ job would be much more difficult, if 1 not impossible,” he said. On Friday, rain threatened in the * skies above the firemen’s parade, but the showers held off and about ’ 80 units participated in the march down Main Street, culminating in a ! review before the parade judges and