The 66th Annual Buchanan Community Carnival begins this Thursday evening, June 27 when the gates open at 6 p.m. It will run nightly through Saturday, July 6 (except for Sunday, June 30, when it will be closed).
Local volunteers will be donating an estimated 3,700 hours of service in order to make this year’s carnival a reality. The goal this year is to raise $20,000 for the Buchanan Emergency Services.
Food will include the signature “Carnival Burgers,” Petros, and, the well-known “Carnival Fries” for just $3. In keeping with the family theme, food offered at the Food Concession Stand, Ice Cream Stand and Fry Stand will be sold at the same prices that they have been for the past four years.
New this year will be LOVE shirts, which will be sold for $20 each at the Big Prize Ticket Booth right by the Main Gate.
Buchanan invites the public to explore its midway where family-oriented games and rides will be provided by Coles Amusements. Unlike previous years, carnival-goers are now able to go to the Cole Amusement website to purchase tickets online at: https://colerides.com/events/12.
Ride Night Specials for June 27 and July 1 and 2 include $15 unlimited ride bands and family wristband four packs for $50. Other nights, wristbands will be $25.
On July 4, there will be a chicken barbecue available at the Food Concession Stand at 11 a.m., a parade a 5 p.m., and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. There will also be fireworks on July 6 at 10 p.m. The fireworks displays will be headed up by Burleigh Gilliam, his sons, and their team of volunteers.
Glen Shelton will be headlining the opening night of the carnival.
“I am looking forward to performing for some of the best people anywhere! I believe this is my 17th year in a row at the Buchanan Carnival, and the people are always great. I really appreciate the carnival scheduling me every year, and it’s a special privilege to perform on the first night this year. The people really make me feel appreciated. It’s always an excellent event and very well organized. The people make it so special. It’s one of my favorite places to sing, and it’s great to work with my good friend, Marty Rickman,” Shelton said.
Entertainment schedule:
- Thursday, June 27: Glen Shelton
- Friday, June 28: Mile Ford
- Saturday, June 29: Common Ground
- Monday, July 1: Prime
- Tuesday, July 2: Phat Boys
- Wednesday, July 3: Glen Shelton
- Thursday, July 4: Phat Boys
- Friday, July 5: 7 Mile Ford
- Saturday, July 6: Wound Tight and Rebels of Rhythm Cloggers
2019 Big Prize Tickets
- Thursday, June 27: $250 cash donated by SanMarCo
- Friday, June 28: $250 cash donated by The Bank of Fincastle
- Saturday, June 29: Crescent 14-piece professional tool set valued at $229.99 donated by Mt. Joy Hardware
- Saturday, June 29: $250 cash donated by the Buchanan Moose Lodge
- Monday, July 1: $250 cash donated by The Bank of Fincastle
- Tuesday, July 2: $250 cash donated by SanMarCo.
- Wednesday, July 3: $250 cash donated by Austin Electric
- Thursday, July 4: $500 donated by Botetourt Funeral Home
- Thursday, July 4: $250 cash donated by Boblett Plumbing
- Friday, July 5: $500 cash donated by Bank of Botetourt
- Friday, July 5: Stihl MS 250 Chain Saw valued at $349.95 donated by James River Equipment
- Friday, July 5: FS56CE Straight Shaft Trimmer value at $239.95 donated by James River Equipment
- Saturday, July 6: 55-inch Flat Screen Television valued at $400 donated by Buchanan Flea Market
- Saturday, July 6: Citadel M-1 22LR Wood Stock valued at $392.49 donated by H&H Outdoors
- Saturday, July 6: TNWNA5R Firearms 40 Caliber Rifle valued at $650.00 donated by H&H Outdoors
- Saturday, July 6: $5,000 donated by the Buchanan Carnival Committee
Tickets for the prizes are $1 each or 12 tickets for $10. Participants do not have to be present to win; however, they do have to be 18 years or older and be able to pass a background check to win any firearms.
Visitors are requested to leave their pets at home during the Buchanan Community Carnival and Fourth of July Parade. The crowded events create an environment that is not conducive to four-legged friends.
The carnival runs from 6 to 11 p.m. on all of the nights.
For more information about the carnival, visit www.townofbuchanan.com/carnival/
