HEBRON, Md.- An Eastern Shore staple, the 2016 Hebron Fireman's Carnival kicked off Wednesday night. Last year's end to the carnival season dampened spirits a bit, when vandals broke into the carnival grounds and caused thousands of dollars in damage and stole carnival prizes.
Hebron Volunteer Fire Department officials said last year's vandalism was jarring, but they have moved forward and are looking to a fun filled carnival season this year.
Deputy Fire Chief Joe Derbyshire and crews were out early Wednesday working and testing rides, preparing for the grand opening.
"It's been a lot of work details, several nights a week and every weekend that we can get in, obviously with the rain this spring it's been difficult to get the carnival up and going, but we've finally made it to tonight," Derbyshire said.
Kristen Althouse, who lives in Hebron, said she and her family look forward to attending the carnival each year.
"My husband and I are taking our two kids; they're all excited about the tilt-a-whirl, the merry-go-round and everything. They always have a blast," Althouse said.
Althouse said she's hoping nothing bad happens during the carnival like last year's vandalism.
"It kind of put a damper on people being allowed to go to the carnival for a little bit because they were so shocked with it being broken into. Hopefully, everybody can be respectful to the community and just help out with supporting the fire department rather than taking away from it," Althouse said.
Fire officials said they are taking more precautions to avoid having criminal mischief this year.
"We're in the process of looking at upgrading the security system on the premises as well as we have stepped up the police presence around the carnival," Derbyshire said.
The 2016 Hebron Fireman's Carnival gates opened Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for food and games and the rides started at 7:15 p.m.
The following is a list of dates/weeks that the carnival will be open (weather permitting):
May 18, 19, 20, 21
May 25, 26, 27, 28
June 23, 24, 25
June 29, 30, July 1, 2
July *4*, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (July 4th times are 5 pm - 9 pm, Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
