BOYKINS
The success of last year’s spring carnival in Boykins has encouraged the town’s fire and rescue departments to welcome in the new season with fun and flair.

David Stiglitz, one of the volunteer firefighters, said the wingding is scheduled for the weekend of April 8-10 in the town; no rain dates are planned.

Looking for a fundraiser last year, he suggested a carnival.

“We got it passed [in town council]. No one thought we could afford it or get rides,” Stiglitz said. “I went up and down the East Coast to get us a chance. It was a great success. It was fantastic!”

Brinkley Entertainment Inc. will bring rides, games and food for the occasion.

One of the department’s featured events was a toy duck race, which he added was “an unbelievable success. We had 500 and added 100 more. There will be 900 this year.”

The admission cost each day is $3 per person, free for children ages 12 and under.

Race tickets cost $10 a duck, six for $50 or 13 for $100. Prizes will be for first through third place, and 66th, which is the number of years the fire department has been around. Eighteen more winners will also be chosen. For tickets, contact Hank Fuller at 653-1967 or any other member of the fire department.

Because this event is planned and sponsored by the fire and rescue units, all profits will go toward buying needed equipment or paying for existing ones, such as the $380,000 new fire truck or the $180,000 new ambulance.

Speaking of firefighters, the barrel challenge will again take place with Boykins competing against any other department. Hoses blast water at a barrel to push it toward their opponents’ side. Guess who won the first year?

Stiglitz said the members are challenging anyone “who has the audacity to take it from us.”

To serenade the carnival attendees, Strictly Business will perform from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, and Steve Owens and The Summertime Band will play from 7-10 p.m. on Friday. Sunday is Family Day, and religious groups are invited to come sing.

Hours of operation will be 4-10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday; and 1-8 p.m. Sunday.

Beers will be served only on the first two days.

For general information, call 618-0556; to be a sponsor, contact Justin Overbee via email, dwoverby@aol.com; to be a vendor, call assistant carnival director Serena White at 919-618-0136.