Having Fun at Small Hometown Carnivals

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?