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Because the timeline is unknown for when the physical distancing requirement will be relaxed, and because it is impractical to sanitize the rides and games between different riders and participants, and with the health of the community in mind, the Board of Managers of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company has decided to cancel our annual Carnival in 2020. (Our annual Parade is also cancelled in 2020 because of the governor’s executive orders.)
The Board and Fire Company realize that the community looks forward to our carnival each year. The first carnival in Hampstead was held in the year 1899. Since 1978 the carnival has been held each year at its present location on the firehouse grounds. The carnival has become an annual tradition for both the Town of Hampstead and the Fire Company.
For several months, the Board had discussed and debated how we can still host the carnival. The decision was delayed as long as possible with the hope that the COVID-19 situation would be resolved and the carnival could go on as usual. But the Board could not delay any longer and had to finally make a decision because contractual deadlines with vendors were quickly approaching.
We apologize for, and understand, any disappointment and inconvenience that this decision causes our community, our supporters, our members, and our vendors.
The Fire Company is working on other ways in which we can bring the community together while complying with the governor’s executive orders. Announcements will be forthcoming.
The carnival is our largest and most profitable fundraising event of the year. We still have the same daily operational expenses as well as the large additional expense of paying for a new replacement fire engine that will be delivered in the next few months. We are also in the preliminary planning stages of replacing our current 45-year-old firehouse whose maintenance, upkeep, and repair costs are becoming more expensive each year.
We are very grateful and appreciative for your generous donations. We hope that you can still support us in any way you can during these difficult times.
Rest assured that we are still trying to find ways for the firehouse to be the center of the community where people can come together for enjoyment.
Above all, the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company is fully staffed, ready, and has been and will continue to respond to emergencies in the community.
We thank you for your understanding, patience, and support.
Sincerely,
The Officers and Members of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company and its Auxiliary
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