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BY LEE COGHLAN
Rappahannock News Special Writer
Even more than a trip to the beach over Memorial Day weekend, carnivals signify that summer is here. Sperryville’s carnival this past week kicks off a series of three in the area.
Amissville is next, June 23-26, followed by Flint Hill’s, July 21-24. With kids yammering to go to Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens, why go to what they might see as a rinkydink alternative? The carnival is the major fundraiser for your local volunteer fire department.
With fire fighting equipment getting more expensive, they need your support more than ever. The price tag on a new fire truck these days? Well over $200,000. And annual operating expenses for a fire company can soar close to $100,000.
Doug McCabe, President of the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire Department, offers a behind-the scenes look at the making of a “small” carnival:
“I got this job by default when Moe Walker passed away eight years ago. Moe ran the carnivals here in Flint Hill. He was really into them. I had to learn carnival a couple months before and I didn’t have any idea what I was doing. I made a lot of mistakes.”
The biggest factor for putting together a carnival is getting a contract with an amusement company. Their staff must be clean and courteous to the public. Sometimes that is hard to get. Currently, Flint Hill is using Five Star Amusements run by Gary Arbaugh.
McCabe says, “Camy people are very colorful. They go where the money is, trying to make a buck. They are a little difficult to work with. But we’re pleased with Arbaugh. Once you find a good one, it’s good to stick with them. He’s a good man.”
The amusement company makes most of the money off the carnival, at least 70 percent of the gross. They bring the rides, concession, and various games. Where the fire department makes their money is on their food, drinks, games, and raffles.
A couple people, in particular, have helped out Flint Hill quite a bit.
One by the name of Nancy Jones has been a contributing member and ' has made their truck raffle a hit.
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