Everyone Loves a Carnival

In our town, we have a volunteer fire department supported entirely by contributions and fund-raising. Many years ago, someone gave them a donation with the stipulation that the fire trucks will always be green. The firefighters are mostly members of the community and are always willing to show their green fire trucks to any children who are interested. Every spring, the fire department has their major fund-raising event for the year: a carnival. An evening's worth of tickets to the rides always seems very expensive, but what better way to spend money than supporting our local fire department. Everyone in town goes. People without any children find some to bring: nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or friends. All the children have a great time riding on the carnival rides and climbing on the green fire trucks. The firefighters are always there and more than happy to tell the story of their latest adventure or just show off their newest green fire truck.

Every year I take the same photos, struggling with bad light and children who won't pose in the fire truck. Every year, I make a carnival layout for the family scrapbook, trying to make essentially the same photos look different.

I make a carnival layout every year because I feel that the carnival is about community, and the green fire trucks are part of our history. While amusement parks have changed over the years, the carnival is essentially the same as the carnivals I remember from my youth. Traveling from town to town, the carnivals bring communities together, and raise money for organizations that are truly important.

Everyone loves a carnival. The children love the rides and the treats, and the grown-ups love to step back in time, enjoy their community, and feel good about spending money on something that matters. Next time the carnival comes to your town, grab the closest children, plenty of cash, and don't forget your camera!