It's small-town fun, but it packs a big punch when it comes to entertainment. The Hellam Recreation Carnival will be held in the baseball fields off West Beaver Street in Hallam Borough. It will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and Thursday, Aug. 24, and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26.

The carnival will feature live entertainment, rides, games and food, including both returning vendors and new ones, said Luke Kokiko, fundraising chair.

On Wednesday, local church groups will perform. On Thursday, Grant Bryan will entertain. Friday's entertainment will be Hometown Strangers, and the carnival will wrap up with a performance by Country Express on Saturday.

Friday evening will feature a car show presented by Porky's Place BBQ & Catering, beginning at 6 p.m. There is an entry fee per car, and the first 50 cars will receive a dash plaque. Trophies will be awarded in various categories. "This show will also have the Jeep division returning from last year, and it's all held in the outfield of the Hellam ball fields," Kokiko stated.

The carnival will conclude with a fireworks display on Saturday. Fireworks sponsors include Klinge Corp., Delta Packaging, Den's Service Center and Toomey Auction Service/Kreutz Creek Lions Club.

Kokiko noted that the carnival would not be possible without the support of sponsors and volunteers, and he added that organizations are welcome to set up booths and tents to promote and raise funds for their missions. "We are looking to grow our list of sponsors for next year's carnival as well as grow our nonprofit tents for organizations and groups looking to do a fundraiser of their own," he remarked.

He also noted that the carnival volunteers are getting older and may want to retire from volunteering within the next few years. "We are looking for volunteers who are willing to help with setting up the carnival grounds and running the funnel cake stand," he said. People who are interested in learning more may contact Kokiko at lkokikoharc@gmail.com. More information on the carnival may be found by searching for "2023 Hellam Carnival" on Facebook.