A Look Back at the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) Carnival was a beloved annual tradition that served as a cornerstone of community life and fundraising for decades. From its inception in 1932 until its closure in the early 1970s, the carnival brought joy, entertainment, and a strong sense of community spirit to Rockville, Maryland [1] [2].

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The carnival grounds, a 10-acre site on Rockville Pike, featured permanent structures including buildings, floodlights, fencing, and metal frames for carnival stands, which remained unused throughout the year until the carnival season [1]. In 1947, a 70-foot dance pavilion with detachable side walls was constructed through the donated labor and materials of department members and Rockville citizens [1]. The carnival office was housed in a one-room doctor's office built for Dr. Edward E. Stonestreet between 1852 and 1903, which was later donated to the Montgomery County Historical Society and moved to the complex in 1972 [1] [2].

A Community Tradition and Fundraising Powerhouse

The RVFD Carnival typically ran for eight nights during the month of August, becoming the primary fundraising event for the volunteer fire department for several decades [1] [2]. Locals eagerly anticipated the carnival each year, drawn by the promise of rides, raffle prizes, live music, and, of course, the food [1]. It was a place where friends reconnected, families made memories, and many local children even held their first jobs [1] [2].

The carnival's financial success was crucial for the RVFD. Proceeds from the carnival were used to purchase vital equipment, such as a $15,000 Miller-Meteor Cadillac ambulance and a $62,000 Peter Pirsch 100-foot aerial ladder in 1965, demonstrating the carnival's direct impact on the department's ability to serve a growing community [1] [2]. The carnival's revenue has since been replaced by a combination of public funding, private donations, and commercial income, as increased call volume eventually led the fire department to end the annual event [1] [2].

Entertainment and Attractions

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival was renowned for its diverse array of entertainment and attractions.

Music and Performances

Music was a significant draw, with big-name country acts performing nightly at the fairgrounds. Artists such as Conway Twitty & the Twittybirds, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Jimmy Dean, and Patsy Cline graced the stage [1] [2]. Beyond country music, the carnival offered a variety of floor shows, including trapeze artists, hillbilly comedy, Punch and Judy shows, old-fashioned hoedowns, and performances by the Jamboree Boys of television fame [1] [2]. Local talent, such as the Rockville Municipal Band and the Tune Twisters, also contributed to the entertainment [1] [2].

Games

The carnival featured classic games that offered prizes and excitement. Popular options included the Duck Pond, Dunk Tank, Rifle Range, Hoop-la, Balloon Pitch, and Teddy Bear Toss [1] [2]. For those seeking a challenge, there was the "High Striker" strength test and ring toss games like Lamps and Panda Bear Stand [1] [2]. A unique, albeit short-lived, attraction was a "guess-which-hole" mouse game, which was discontinued after a mouse escaped [2]. Bingo was a favorite among older attendees [1] [2]. In 1935, county residents voted in a special referendum to allow the Fire Department and other non-profit groups to hold raffles and bingo games [2].

Rides

The heart of the carnival experience was its rides. Attendees could enjoy the Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, and various "Kiddy" rides like automobiles, aeroplanes, trains, and boats [1] [2]. More thrilling options included the Scrambler, Octopus, Paratrooper, Tilt-a-Whirl, Loop-O-Plane, and Round Up [1] [2]. While the rides were operated by a commercial firm, the volunteer firemen and their families, along with friends of the department, staffed and staged all other aspects of the carnival [2].

Public Weddings and Beauty Contests

A unique and popular feature of the carnival was the public wedding, a tradition originated by Chief W. Valentine Wilson in 1932 [1] [2]. These ceremonies were solemn affairs, with couples speaking their vows over a loudspeaker in view of the merry-go-round, often before thousands of onlookers [1] [2]. The fire department provided a $500 furniture set, wedding license, ring, minister, bridal gown, and attire for the groom and ushers [1] [2]. Remarkably, all 17 couples married at the carnival between 1932 and 1949 remained married, leading Fire Department General Counsel David E. Betts to suggest that the public nature of the ceremony fostered enduring love [1] [2]. The carnival also hosted a "Miss Rockville" bathing beauty contest, with the winner receiving $75 and the opportunity to compete for "Miss Montgomery County Fireman" [1] [2].

The Food

No carnival is complete without its distinctive food, and the RVFD Carnival was no exception. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of french fried potatoes with vinegar, buttered popcorn, pizza, burgers, and hot dogs [1] [2]. Fried chicken, cotton candy, caramel apples, and the infamous funnel cake were also popular treats [1] [2].

The RVFD's Broader History and Impact

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department itself has a rich history, dating back to its formal organization on March 16, 1921, following a devastating fire in February 1921 that highlighted the need for a more robust fire protection system [3]. Prior to this, fire protection in Rockville evolved from early bucket brigades and the purchase of limited equipment by the town [3] [4]. The RVFD was instrumental in acquiring modern fire apparatus, including a Model-T Ford-Waterous engine in 1922 [3] [4].

The RVFD is part of a larger network of volunteer fire departments in Montgomery County, many of which also relied on community fundraising events like carnivals [4] [5]. These volunteer efforts have been crucial in providing fire and rescue services to the growing county, eventually leading to a consolidated system that includes both volunteer and career firefighters [4]. The RVFD continues to serve the community, adapting to increased call volumes and evolving needs, with its history deeply intertwined with the community events it once hosted [3] [5].

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival remains a cherished memory for many who grew up in the area, a testament to its role as a vibrant community hub and a vital source of support for the dedicated volunteers who protected Rockville [1] [2].