Myerstown carnival battles weather, ends on high note with Memorial Day remembrance

The second annual Myerstown carnival at Myerstown Community Park, hosted by the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity, saw steady turnout May 20-25, with Memorial Day attracting the most attendees.

“The carnival has been slow and steady this year because of the weather,” said charity president Daniel Ebling Monday in reference to intermittent drizzle and heavier rain over the weekend. “Today being Memorial Day, we’re banking on the best day of all six days, and so far it’s looking like that.”

The free carnival included rides and games set up by Huey’s Amusements, a “game walk” along the Myerstown Community Library’s StoryWalk, and entertainment including a comedy show and live music.

Guests could enjoy food truck fare as well as food from vendors in tents like Porky’s.

Rain meant that some entertainment was canceled and rides had to temporarily close due to safety concerns some days (though they were able to be open Memorial Day). Besides the weather, Ebling said, the event went fairly smoothly.

“It’s been raining so much, they can’t open the rides because they want to keep everybody safe,” he said. “I know it’s disappointing for many people with bands canceling, with certain things we had not happening, rides not opening, but it’s just to keep everybody safe, you know?”

Luckily, Ebling said, clear skies Monday meant the carnival could conclude with a Memorial Day fireworks show, viewed from the basketball court, as planned. Goodwill and Keystone Hook & Ladder fire companies put together a safety plan for the show, he said.

The fireworks show was sponsored by a $15,000 donation from A&H Industries. Though A&H owner Fred Hoffman was unable to make the fireworks show, Ebling read the following statement on his behalf:

“Today, we honor and remember the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are thankful for what they gave, because the freedoms and blessings we enjoy today were paid for by their sacrifice. We are blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth. God bless America, and enjoy the fireworks.”

Ebling thanked Goodwill Fire Company for taking over the dime pitch after initial plans for bingo and the dime pitch were canceled. He also thanked the state police and constables for coming to the event to patrol a few hours each night.

Ebling said the biggest challenge in organizing the carnival is arranging sponsorships. Ebling previously told LebTown the carnival costs the charity between $20,000 and $40,000 to run each year, with organizers paying for rides and entertainment, security, toilets, water, and electricity.

Costs are offset slightly by proceeds, he said, but most funds come from sponsors like A&H Industries, Wengers, GAF, Keller Bros., and Country Fare.

His goal in organizing the annual carnival, Ebling said, is to foster community involvement and connections, especially in the children of Myerstown.

“As I walked through the carnival and saw all the smiling faces, it reminded me why I spend so much time preparing an event this large for our community,” he said in an email. “I had neighborhood children coming up to me asking for tasks to help with, and to me, that is exactly the purpose I am trying to fulfill. It is about creating happy children who value their community, want to be involved, and want to help take care of the place they call home.

“This is what makes all of this worth it.”