HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5059 Offered May 24, 2006 Commending the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department and its historic firemen's carnival. ---------- Patrons-- Lewis; Senator: Rerras ----------

WHEREAS, the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department is recognized for its valuable support and sponsorship of the historic firemen's carnival and the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, which has been a cherished event in the lives of the people of the Town of Onancock and the entire Eastern Shore of Virginia for well over half a century; and

WHEREAS, the Onancock carnival is one of three historic firemen's carnivals on the Eastern Shore, and the picturesque Ferris Wheel with the town's water tower rising behind it is a nostalgic sight for Onancock natives and the thousands who visit the quaint and popular vacation spot each year; and

WHEREAS, the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department firemen's carnival, open each night from June 22 through July 9, has been an annual summer tradition highlighted by an amazing fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the firemen's carnival has provided wonderful memories and a safe, small town celebration featuring games and bingo, colorful rides, good food, and lots of fun and festivities for the entire family; and

WHEREAS, the heart of the historic firemen's carnival is the rides; the Onancock carnival grounds lay claim to some of the oldest rides from historic Virginia carnivals, including the popular Scrambler that came from Norfolk's Ocean View Amusement Park, familiar rides saved from Hampton's Buckroe Beach, and many other childhood favorites from bygone years, such as the Black Spider, the Tilt-a-Whirl, the swinging boats, the pony carts, the Ferris Wheel, Space Chaser, Kiddie-Roto-Whip, and the merry-go-round; and

WHEREAS, due to rising costs and the upkeep and maintenance of the aged equipment, the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department will soon cease sponsorship of the carnival, but the citizens of Onancock remain indebted to the fire company and its longtime tradition of support and sponsorship of the historic firemen's carnival; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Onancock Volunteer Fire Department for its outstanding public service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Fire Chief Mike Truitt and the members of the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for their many contributions to the preservation and care of the historic firemen's carnival.