Carnivals are supposed to be fun, right? They're a great way to bring a community together. For the town of Hampstead, MD, the carnival is designed to raise money for the local Volunteer Fire Department. In such a small town, carnival week is warmly welcomed, because it means that there is actually something to do on a Friday evening. Furthermore, everything about carnivals screams fun. From the food to the music to the rides, carnivals exist for the purpose of having fun. And let's not forget the actual screams coming from the rides. With all that being said, how can a person dislike carnivals? Here's how:

My biggest problem with carnivals happens to be the most prominent aspect... the rides. With the exception of the Ferris Wheel and bumper cars, there is not a ride that isn't designed to spin you around in some cyclonic fashion. From the Scrambler to the Zipper to the Tilt-A-Whirl, every attraction turns you upside-down and inside-out. Many people find this exhilarating. I, however, am not one of those people. I am a person who is highly prone to motion sickness. In fact, I can get motion sickness from swinging on the swing set at a playground. That being said, I am clearly not going to subject myself to the sickening motion of the Rock-and-Roll. And let's not forget how horrid it is to witness someone vomit on these rides. *Shudder* I have nothing against those who enjoy these kinds of rides. These rides are simply not my thing. In my opinion, it would be nice if there were more than two attractions that people who don't enjoy spinning could ride.

Another unpopular opinion is regarding the music. Most carnivals tend to have live bands playing during the week. I'm not sure how it is in other places, but in Carroll County, the bands will inevitably play country music. Now before I start an uproar, I am not about to bash country music. There are country artists that I actually enjoy. However, it is not my most preferred music genre. I would much rather listen to bands like Fall Out Boy, The Front Bottoms, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I am aware that these bands are not everyone's cup of tea either. But in a small, rural town, it is hard to escape country music.

Despite my previous statements, I do not dislike everything about carnivals. I enjoy going out to play some of the games, eat funnel cakes, and stroll around. Carnivals are also a wonderful way to catch up with friends that I haven't seen all summer. The atmosphere of carnivals is pleasant, even if I don't find every aspect of carnivals to be entertaining. If only there was a broader range of rides and music, then I would be at the carnival all week. But for those who don't mind the swirling and twirling, enjoy the carnival, dizzyness and all!