97th Hebron Fireman’s Carnival returns, biggest fundraiser for local fire department
HEBRON, Md.- “It started in 1926 as a campground for holding revivals and now it’s turned into what it is today,” Peterman said.
Over a span of 97 years, the Hebron Fireman’s Carnival has made quite the transformation. It’s now become a local favorite from the rides, games, food, and more. “We kind of try to keep it the same and not more of a commercialized carnival. It’s more of a hometown feel and when you get here, we’ll have everything you need,” Peterman said.
Vice President Pete Peterman has been with the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. He tells us the carnival is their biggest fundraising effort of the year and that the money goes a long way. ” It helps with the upkeep of the carnival grounds, the maintenance of the actual firehouse, the equipment, training, the list just goes on,” Peterman said.
Peterman says the cost of equipment alone has gone up 50%.
On top of increased expenses, the department’s call volume has also ticked up. That’s a trend they’ve had to grapple with for the past several years. “We’re going to have to add to manpower and probably hire people to be here full-time to have staff all day. That’s another reason why we try to do the fundraising,” Peterman said.
“There’s people here that enjoy doing it but it’s just getting to the point where you’re barely scratching the surface to get people to come in and join.”
Despite those challenges, Peterman says what has stood the test of time is the power of tradition. “Over the years you see kids that were once small who now have families of their own and bring them back to carnival and talk about the times they used to come when they were kids. It’s always exciting to see that.”
Peterman also tells 47ABC the carnival is just one of many initiatives the department offers to stay connected with the community. While efforts are underway to boost volunteer numbers in Delaware, Peterman tells us he’d like to see even more done on that front in Maryland.
The carnival will run Wednesdays through Saturdays until July 8th.
