My husband grew up in a small town right outside of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. He lived there as a small child until he was 19 years old, before moving out and into the suburbs of the city. His parents had a large home that was surrounded by farmlands and country roads. Were they country hicks? Certainly not, but they definitely lived in the country.
Every year during the month of July his hometown hosts a fun Carnival that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It’s always held during the month of July and lasts for a week. On Friday night, they have a fireworks show that lasts approximately 20 minutes and that leads up to their closing for the year.
Back in July we headed up to his hometown to enjoy some family fun. This past year they had about 8 or 9 rides (most were for the kids), but there were 3-4 that adults could get on too. Along with the rides, they had various carnival-style games, a Bingo venue, a stage with live entertainment every night and a few other things going on.
If you love fair and carnival food, you’ll find plenty of that there! They had hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, pizza, cotton candy, sno-cones and other goodies that you could buy. Personally, I enjoyed a Pina Colada sno-cone and my husband & granddaughter chowed down on grape ones. Delicious!
My 8 year old granddaughter is NOT afraid of any amusement park rides. She’ll get on the biggest and fastest roller coaster if you let her. Anyway, she got on all of the rides that were offered and a few of them she rode on twice.
My 22-month old grandson wasn’t fond of anything. He cried on the kiddie train ride and had to be taken off. Once settled down, my husband got on the merry-go-round with him and he was fine with that until the horse started going up & down. He’s a lot different than his sister as my granddaughter was never, ever afraid of any rides. Totally different personalities and I’m sure he’ll outgrow it as he gets older.
We had a great time and looking forward to attending the annual Dauphin Carnival again next year when it rolls back into town. How many of you enjoy going to state fairs and/or small hometown carnivals? For those of you who do, how often do you go? Got any favorites you like to attend?
The Carnival in your husband’s town sounds like a lot of fun. My kids enjoyed all the rides. I was the one that was not very fond of them.
The Carnival in your Husbands small town sounds much like the Carnival we have here in our small town. Its once a year too. We call it Harvest Days. and for 3 or 4 days we have the Carnival Rides, Carnival food ,Carnival Games and a Big flea Market. Also we have performers on stage . even Karaoke Singers..I can’t really think of everything. But people come from all around . We also have The Basset Hound walk. Its put on by the Basset Rescue Group. Everyone who has a Basset Hound Brings them here and the have a Basset Hound walk all together like a little Parade. Lol!.
I like reading about your grandkids and their responses. it is very similar to my 8 year old granddaughter who has always been ready for any adventure whereas her 2 year old brother is much more reluctant and cautious when anything is new. Looks like a fun time.
That describes both of my grandchildren to a T. I think Princess is a little too daring and unafraid at times and Prince…he takes it too far in the scared department. I’m hoping that both of them will even out.
Small town carnivals can be so much fun! Such a great way to get out in your own community.
We go to the country fair each year in our small town and I grew up going to a carnival like this one. When I was young I so enjoyed the rides now I am more of a watcher of the rides. I do like to play the games though and have the fair food.