Carnival Grounds

THE CALENDAR says summer is a month away, but recent temperatures, and tradition tell us the season starts on Memorial Day weekend.Locally, two parades, the first carnival and the opening of the Taneytown swimming pool are signs of summer.The Taneytown pool opens on a weekend-only schedule until schools close for summer break. Hours are noon to 8: 45 p.m., weather permitting, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and May 30 and 31. The pool opens daily on June 6.Information on daily and seasonal fees, pool rentals or swimming lessons: city offices, at 410-751-1100 or 410-756-2677.

Manchester Day, the fire department's annual fund-raiser and community celebration, should be less a flea market and more of a living history and cultural event, says a local businessman.Ray Brasfield, owner of Cygnus Wine Cellars, wants to see the event include demonstrations by artisans such as blacksmiths, woodworkers and wool spinners. He also envisions exhibits related to the Civil War and Native Americans."There is an opportunity being missed to educate and entertain the public while at the same time maintain an awareness of the history, tradition and culture of the Manchester region," Brasfield said.

THOUSANDS of visitors will take to the streets of downtown Mount Airy this weekend to celebrate autumn with the town's annual Fall Festival.The two-day event begins with Mount Airy's Fun Run at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The event again is sponsored by the PTA groups from Mount Airy and Twin Ridge elementary schools. The run begins at the municipal parking lot, between Center Street and Park Avenue, and follows a one-mile route through a residential area. The route will be well marked, and traffic will be controlled by state troopers.

FireWinfield: Firefighters from Sykesville and Gamber assisted Winfield at 8: 09 p.m. Tuesday, responding to a shed fire in the 100 block of Old W. Liberty Road. Units were out 50 minutes.PoliceMount Airy: Officials of the Mount Airy Youth Association told police that someone broke into a storage building at the carnival grounds on Twin Arch Road and stole soda and candy between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Saturday. The loss was estimated at $190.Pub Date: 8/28/97

The Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company will have its annual firemen's carnival through Saturday at the carnival grounds, 1341 N. Main St. Rides, games, food and entertainment will be featured.Information: 410-239-4280.Pub Date: 8/13/97

SUMMER WOULDN'T be complete without a carnival.With rides, bingo, music and traditional delights -- cotton candy and funnel cakes are my favorites -- carnivals offer an evening out and a chance to run into friends.Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company will hold its annual Firemen's Carnival from Monday through July 26 at the carnival grounds, Route 27 and Twin Arch Road.This year marks the carnival's 70th year.Opening night features the Fire Prevention Queen contest at 7 p.m., and the 1950s rock 'n' roll group The Vandells.

The New Windsor Fire and Hose Company will have its annual firemen's carnival Monday through June 7 on the carnival grounds on Atlee Avenue.The day opens with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays and platters at 4: 30 p.m. daily. Games and rides open at 6 p.m. daily.Discounted ride nights are Tuesday and Thursday. A firemen's parade will start at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Raffle drawings will take place Saturday night.Scheduled concerts for the week are: Bob Plunkert & Real Country on Monday, Fiddlin' Country on Tuesday, Roll the Dice on Thursday, Heartland June 6 and Dixie Rebels on June 7.Information: 410-635-6373.

FireMount Airy: Firefighters responded at 8: 16 p.m. Thursday to a utility pole fire at the carnival grounds on Twin Arch Road. Units were out 12 minutes.Pub Date: 5/19/97

SEVERAL HUNDRED Eldersburg residents crowded the gymnasium at Oklahoma Road Middle School Sunday for the school's official dedication.Principal Larry Barnes and Assistant Principal Cathy Hood welcomed county and state government officials, and community activists during the 90-minute ceremony.The ceremony included brief speeches by Sue Krebs, community activist; Charles Frank, general building contractor for the school; Scott Stone, president of the county Board of Education; and Dr. Brian Lockard, Carroll schools' superintendent.

FEELING HOUSEBOUND? Wishing for an inexpensive day out with the kids? Winterfest at Manchester Elementary School might be the answer.From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the school cafeteria and gymnasium will become a carnival grounds complete with games, door prizes and all of your children's favorite foodstuffs. Parking will be available at the school or Fire Department carnival grounds.This is Manchester Elementary School's first winter carnival. The PTA chose a winter event in hopes of attracting parent volunteers who have been too busy with spring sports to help during a May festival.