Carnival season in Carroll County kicks off next weekend with a trio of events, from Gamber to Westminster to Union Bridge.
Kicking off in Gamber
The Gamber and Community Fire Co. Carnival has its official opening Saturday, May 28, and runs through Saturday, June 4.
Fireworks are scheduled for Monday, May 30, at 9 p.m., weather permitting.
The carnival includes raffles, rides, food, games and nightly entertainment. The band schedule is as follows:
Saturday, May 28 — Rock-N-Roll Relic's, oldies and variety.
Sunday, May 29 — Traditions Unleashed, country.
Monday, May 30 — Rivers Bend Band, variety; also fireworks night.
Tuesday, May 31 — Aspen Run,bluegrass. Rain date for fireworks.
Wednesday, June 1 — Bird Daddy's, variety.
Thursday, June 2 — Salem Bottom Boys, bluegrass.
Friday, June 3 — Big Cam and The Lifters, oldies.
Saturday, June 4 — No Tell Mo Tell, southern.
Perfect Union for fun
The Union Bridge Fire Company carnival starts Monday, May 30, and also includes rides, games and food buildings will be opened for your entertainment and enjoyment.
Also on May 30, the VFW Post 8806 will host its Memorial Day service across from the fire station.
The Union Bridge event includes a week-long silent auction, and the entertainment lineup includes:
• Monday, May 30 — Bob Plunkert & Real Country, country.
• Tuesday, May 31 — Wylde Fire, country variety.
• Wednesday, June 1 — fireman's parade at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 2 — Half-Serious, rock.
• Friday, June 3 — Hard Choice, rock.
• Saturday, June 4 — No Alibi, country rock.
James at St. John
The annual St. John Parish carnival, 45 Monroe Ave., Westminster, also begins May 30 and runs through Saturday, June 5.
There will be a special Memorial Day matinee from noon to 5 p.m., featuring carnival rides for $1 and entertainment by area high school musicians, the Foggy May band.
Later that evening, there will be a free concert by Nashville recording artist Erin James at 7 p.m. In addition, a variety of free music is scheduled for the week including:
• Tuesday, May 31 — Georgia Lea and Stone Cold Country.
• Wednesday, June 1 — Wylde Fire, rock and country.
• Thursday, June 2 — Alter Ego, classic rock.
• Friday, June 3 — Bootleg, classic rock/blues/country.
• Saturday, June 4 — Big Cam and the Lifters, 1950srock and roll.
Jim Joyner