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The Preston Carnival has been an annual event for 75 years, since its first opening night in 1950.
The sights, sounds, and scents filling the air in Preston on Mon. May 26, evening brought back decades-old memories of carnivals gone by.
The scent of popcorn mingled with fresh cotton candy and French fries took attendees back to their childhood days. Children, carried by their parents, stood in line to hop onto the rides for a quick spin. The Zipper stood looming over the fairground at one end and the Ferris Wheel rose from the other side of the field. In between, young teens dashed to greet their friends, squealing in delight at the opening night festivities. In the center of the field, a permanent pavilion filled with picnic tables, housed a game of Bingo.
This is the property of the Lions Club in Preston, who work in conjunction with Preston Volunteer Fire Company to raise much-needed funds that will allow both organizations to serve their rural community.
The funds raised from this event will help with the purchase of a new fire truck, according to the PVFC Fire Chief, Robbie Phillips. The Carnival is the largest fundraiser every year for PVFC and is crucial for the continued operations of local emergency response teams.
Preston VFC is nearly fully funded by charitable donations and fundraisers, with only 25% of the cost of new equipment being supplied by state and county coffers. According to Phillips, PVFC ordered a new fire truck nearly two years ago and they don’t expect delivery until the end of 2026, with a price tag of anywhere between $500,000 and $1,000,000. One set of life-saving equipment, which includes the jaws of life needed to cut open a crashed vehicle, is around $100,000 and the prices continue to rise, just as they are everywhere else. (Donations can be sent to PVFC, PO Box 44, Preston, MD 21655).
When asked what PVFC needed more, donations or volunteers, his answer was immediately volunteers. With more people helping with the fundraising events, and even with other work needed around the firehouse, the fire company can do what is needed for the community. Phillips expressed a desire for more members as well, both to help with all the work to be done and as volunteer emergency responders.
"There really is a volunteer job for everyone, anyone who wants to get involved.” Phillips stated. If you are thinking about tapping into your desire to serve your community, or your own wish to be a hero, you can reach Robbie Phillips at prestonvfc@gmail.com or the Facebook page for Preston Volunteer Fire Company.
In the meantime, head out to the fairground this week, on Williamson Street. Enjoy the delicious tastes and aromas, ride the rides, play the myriad of games available, hang out with neighbors and friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy and it is all for a great cause. What better way to usher in summer in Caroline County?
