True hometown spirit alive at Fleetwood Community Carnival
Chris Young: ‘Making money for the nonprofits is important, but this community carnival is so much more than that.’
The Fleetwood Community Carnival offered fun for all ages Tuesday to Saturday, July 19 to 23, at the Fleetwood Community Park. The carnival included rides, food, Midway and entertainment.
“Based upon gross receipts it was the best carnival ever,” said Chris Young, co-chair of the Carnival. Tim O’Neil is chairman of the event. Doreen O’Neil is the treasurer. “The heat played a factor in attendance toward the end of the week, but people still came out to support it.”
The carnival was sponsored by Fleetwood Council of Civic Organizations, Lions and Rotary Clubs. The Fleetwood Fire Company and Breakfast Brothers are heavily involved and are benefactors of the proceeds. Fireworks were sponsored in part by Weaver’s Hardware.
The carnival benefits the community. Young explained that the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and FCCO each receive 30 percent of the profits that they in turn use to help the community at large. The FCCO’s money is geared primarily at funding the next Fleetwood Anniversary party, he said.
“The carnival was open to all non-profits in the area to have a fundraiser or display and this year we had the most groups participate. Relay for Life, Fleetwood Library, Fleetwood Historical Society. Fleetwood Recreation Board, school organizations, boy scouts, and Fleetwood Neighborhood Watch, are just a few examples of who was there,” said Young.
Pick-a-pop fundraiser for Fleetwood Food Pantry was run by Erin O’Neil, daughter of chairman Tim O’Neil, and was run entirely by youth, he said.
Signs depicting a blue ribbon were displayed throughout the park to show Fleetwood Neighborhood Watch’s support for law enforcement everywhere.
“We ask that you join us in showing your respect and appreciation not only due to recent tragedies throughout the U.S. but each and every day,” was posted on the signs.
The Majestics performed country from the 50s to the 90s on Tuesday. Jeff Krick performed Oldies and an Elvis Concert Tribute on Wednesday. On Thursday, The Grease Band entertained carnival patrons. On Friday, Douglassville native Stephanie Grace performed current and traditional country. Also on Friday, the Blood Bank was on location and the evening concluded with fireworks. Saturday was the Rubber Duck Regatta and a concert by the Flamin Dick and the Hot Rods.
Young’s favorite part about the carnival?
“I put the following on Fleetwood Fire Company’s Facebook page, and summarizes my feelings: Seeing neighbors, talking to neighbors, kids laughing and having fun outdoors, police officers casually talking to the public, and hundreds of volunteers out in force to staff the carnival... well that is what this carnival is about. Making money for the non-profits is important, but this community carnival is so much more than that. It was great to see a true hometown spirit alive and well, despite what we may see and hear on the news.”
“I was there each night, and the statement above was reflected each night,”