AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Dark clouds threatened rain but, in the end, there were only sprinkles as the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s annual carnival got underway at 6 pm Monday evening. There was no lightning or thunder, so the carnival rides were already in motion.
People were already lining up at the coupon booths to purchase tickets for an amazing array of rides geared to appeal to attendees from all age groups.
The lighthearted atmosphere was everything you’d expect from a carnival on a hot summer night. Aromas of popcorn, cotton candy and grilling meats permeated the air and music from the merry-go-round could be heard as ever-growing crowds streamed onto the midway to play games ranging from The Duck Pond to Mini-Hoops, Water Gun Fun, or others.
Older children and teens immediately headed for some of the scarier rides like the Avalanche seen in the opening photo where kids with their legs dangling in the air were captured mid-plunge before reaching bottom and reaccelerating to the top to do it all again. They were equally drawn to the Hip Hop ride seen here and other “thriller” rides more heart-stopping than the tried-and-true Tilt-A-Whirl.
Not surprisingly, we saw lots of parents with kids of different ages waiting their chance to get onto the Ferris wheel.
Younger children held the record, of course, for riding the merry-go-round. We watched how delighted young Charlotte Byrne’s mother Jenna was to see her daughter come round that first time.
We later had a chance to talk to the whole family. Jenna, an Annapolis resident, and sister Lydia Penoyar, from Severna Park, who said they’d been coming to the carnival every year.
While meandering the carnival grounds, we couldn’t help being drawn to a red and white striped food tent that boasted lots of tempting choices. Well-known for their grilling expertise, EHVFC volunteers had their barbecue pits fired up and the kitchen going full tilt. Along with support from the Auxiliary, they conjured up a mighty fine menu featuring sixteen food items plus beverages. In addition to traditional carnival burgers, dogs and fries there were pit beef and turkey sandwiches, pizzas, nachos with cheese, soft pretzels, chicken tenders, crab cakes and sausages with peppers and onions.
A second striped tent filled with tables on which to enjoy those taste tempters also provided views of spinning teacup rides and flying dragons.
Nearby, we found EHVFC Fire Chief Dave Crawford. As usual, Crawford was back and forth supervising every aspect of the carnival and meeting, greeting and chatting with friends and attendees.
Always happy to update us on the latest news from the Earleigh Heights Firehouse and the volunteers, he was pleased to report that the 2024 Carnival, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was going well.
“This past Saturday night was the best night we’ve ever had crowd-wise,” said Crawford. “We may have been helped by the fact that Glen Burnie had to cancel their carnival this year due to the fact that the person who spearheaded the event passed away.
He also filled us in on the status of plans for the badly needed new firehouse.
“We’ve pretty much gotten through all the zoning, and we’ve completed the planning. Now we need to go through the permitting process and are moving forward,” the Chief said. “Hopefully, by March or April of next year, we’ll be breaking ground.”
He met with the engineers last week who reported that the fire company should be in the new station within five years. The reason for the lengthy build is that the permitting phase can take up to two-and-a-half years. (If the county could help with the permitting, it could be sped up by about a year.)
Meanwhile, the focus has to be on raising money to cover current operating expenses and for construction costs. Crawford notes that the carnival is an enormous undertaking that makes a good profit and EHFVC is lucky to able to do it.
“Board member Andrew Price works on the event all year,” he added. “The volunteers and auxiliary members that run it have done so for years and are outstanding.”
With fundraising in mind, EHVFC is holding a Gala and Silent Auction at the firehouse on September 14. Tickets will be $225 for cocktails and dinner, with a table costing $800. The company is hoping to raise $200,000. A year ago, they had to spend $735,000 for the purchase of a new firetruck that was essential for the squad. Today, that same firetruck is going for a million dollars.
The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company has been keeping the Severna Park, Millersville, Pasadena areas safe and sound since 1918 when a group of Truckhouse Road neighbors with no protection against fire established the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company with just 14 members, so equipment, no station and a balance in the treasury of $2.50. The purchased the first firetruck in 1919 for $75 – basically a cart to haul equipment fitted with ladders, ropes, axes, buckets and lanterns that could be pulled by hand or by horse.
The same year, they constructed the first fire station – a wooden structure on skids that could be moved from one family’s property to another – and in the 1920’s purchased the first fire engine which was a Holloway Chemical Wagon on a Model T Ford chassis for $498. A more permanent station was completed in 1930 after which equipment continued to be purchased and updated through the 30’s and 40’s until 1958 when the present firehouse was completed at 161 Ritchie Highway.
HAPPENING TONIGHT – Ladies Night at Park Hardware
A tip from media representative Christine Hickey that Park Hardware is holding a Ladies Night this evening (July 18) from 6 to 8 pm. Guests can learn home DIY tips, interior design ideas, basic home repairs and more. There will be giveaways, a wine tasting, and more. So, stop by if you have a moment. It’s bound to be fun.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.) They are also doing a summer camp.
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
