Carroll County’s annual fire company carnival season has begun

Carnival season in Carroll County has begun.

Although the county continues the process of transitioning to a combination volunteer and paid fire and emergency services system, donations and fundraising remain critically important to local fire departments for the maintenance of the equipment and stations, according to a county news release.

Bonnie Staub, tourism manager for Carroll County, said the carnivals serve as a primary fundraiser to support local fire departments.

“Once COVID hit, I know the fire companies really struggled because their main fundraiser is the carnivals,” she said. “It’s a great activity for families to get out, take their children and it’s a great thing to have throughout the county.”

The carnival schedule is as follows:

• May 21-25: New Windsor Fire Department
• May 24-June 1: Gamber and Community Fire Company
• May 30-June 1: Union Bridge Fire Company
• June 8-15: Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department
• June 10-15: Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company
• June 24-29: Reese Volunteer Fire Company
• June 26-29: Harney Volunteer Fire Company
• July 1-6: Manchester Volunteer Fire Company
• July 8-13: Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department
• July 29-Aug. 3: Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company
• Aug. 5-10: Hampstead Fire Company