The waning yellow moon shone brightly, but it couldn’t compete with the lights and festivities at the 23^rd Annual Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival last Friday.

As nightfall approached, sounds of laughter and the aroma of popcorn and funnel cake lured visitors into the main gate of the carnival hoping to get a glimpse of the fair or buy a ticket to their favorite ride.

According to the BVFD website, the carnival started on the 12^th of September and went on for 11 days but, as fun as it was, its main purpose was to benefit the community. The volunteer fire department received over 35% of the carnival profits and 100% of the BVFD food-booth profits.

“It’s a great carnival; I love the rides, and I know that a part of the fee goes to a great cause,” said 15-year-old Tiffany Nettleford as she waited in line to get on the Ferris wheel.

12-year-olds Jordan and Kate, waiting to get on board “The Quasar” for the 2^nd time, agreed with Nettleford’s comment, exclaiming that “the carnival is awesome!”

As 10:00 p.m. approached, the mass and the noise started to decline, but the aromas of carnival food still lingered.  However, volunteers and Carnival staff still worked persistently at the booths, the parking and the rides, and were the real reason the entire carnival was a success.

An hour later, the carnival finally closed and the moon, once again, became the brightest light of the night.