BUCHANAN, Va. – Get ready to get on the Ferris wheel and eat lots and lots of funnel cake at the 70th Buchanan Community Carnival.
It’s back starting Thursday and will last until July 6. However, the carnival is closed on Sunday, June 30.
There’s plenty to do too for all age groups.
It features several rides and fun houses, and of course, a carnival would not be complete without food. The Town of Buchanan Mayor Tristan Harris said they are famous for its homemade fries. There are also burgers and plenty more to eat.
Admission to the carnival is free, but you will need to pay for the rides and food.
Mayor Harris said the proceeds go toward the Town of B Buchanan.
“We typically do about $20,000 to $30,000 toward the fire department. Last year, we replaced the roof and repaved the driveway, making a easier to transition for the trucks to come out. We always make more improvements to the Town Park here, where we’ve upgraded the sound system. We got new buildings for our own games, and then just other projects throughout the year for the town,” said Harris.
The Town of Buchanan is also selling T-shirts to mark the 70th anniversary of the Buchanan Community Carnival.
10 News spoke with two volunteers who have been coming here since they were younger.
“I have found memories of growing up people who started this and ran it and all the wonderful games and events that were going on and playing here with my friends,” said Grace Anne Parker, who volunteers at the ice cream stand.
Sissy Austin, who’s volunteered for about 30 years, also expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s a good event. I have enjoyed it all my life. I have lived here all my life, and I have fond memories of this carnival. Coming every year, riding with my friends, seeing the people that come from everywhere,” said Austin.
Both volunteers said they see people who come here from all over, including Roanoke, Bedford, Rockbridge, Salem and even North Carolina.
Mayor Harris said his mom is even coming from Connecticut.
Besides food and games, there will also be two nights of fireworks. The first night you can see the fireworks will be on July 4, and you can watch them the last night of the carnival, which is July 6.