Arlington, Vermont Annual Carnival

Every July in Arlington , Vermont , the local fire department holds a carnival to raise money to fund the department. The carnival is set up on the grounds of the Fisher Elementary School , which is located next to the Martha Canfield Free Memorial Library. The carnival is not as big as a state fair, but it is a good size for the small community of Arlington , Vermont .

This year (2011), the carnival takes place on July 22nd and 23rd, which are Friday and Saturday. There are several things to do from rides (mostly for children), games, music and dancing, and wagon rides. Food (hamburgers, hotdogs, fried bread dough, cotton candy, and French fries) and drink are available for everyone. On Saturday, the last day of the event, there is a miraculous display of fireworks.

Last year (2010), there was a chili cook-off and after the cook-off, awards were handed out. I didn't take part in the cook-off, but I enjoyed the other aspects of the carnival. I love the sounds of laughter, the smell of food drifting over the warm summer breeze, the cool drinks, and healthy competition that come with competing in carnival games.

There's nothing like a carnival to bring out the kid inside. I know every year I have gone to the Arlington Carnival I have had fun and was never bored. My husband and I play the games and try to win something for our daughter. We played the basketball game, and though I am usually pretty good at basketball, I found this particular game challenging. Just when I thought I was about to make a basket the ball either falls short, or bounces off the rim. I can't help but to think there is an optical illusion there somewhere that makes you believe the rim is closer to you than it really is. It makes for a good challenge.

My daughter is two and a half, and she's a little skittish of all the commotion at the carnival, but she gets excited and has a great time. She enjoys the fishing games they have for little kids and even won a prize. My husband and I thought of taking her on one of the several rides they have for kids, but our daughter wouldn't have anything to do with them. We figure she'll get more into the rides as she gets older. Maybe this year she will try one of the rides.

Whether you're a toddler, a tween, teen, or adult, there is something at the carnival for everyone. The carnival is a great place to reconnect with the people you know, and a wonderful opportunity to meet new people. You never know what is going to happen at the carnival and that is just one of the many things that make the carnival so exciting!

I recommend going to the Arlington , Vermont Carnival for fun, conversation, and a chance to make good memories.

For more information on the events around Arlington , Vermont , please visit: http://arlingtonactivityevents.org/