Carnival Comes to Aberdeen

Gina Goffus of Darlington has been working the Sherwood Amusements carnival for 11 years.

Goffus looks young to be on a job for that long. But that’s because at 24, she is young. Still, she's a veteran at what she does.

“I sell cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn,” she said. “It’s a sweet place.”

Goffus said she enjoys what she does and even likes the crowds.

“Lines make you feel good,” Goffus said. “It means people came out.”

Sherwood Amusements will be operating a carnival on East Bel Air Avenue, adjacent to the old B&O railroad station, all week.

Complete with rides, games and concessions, the carnival will most likely  generate fun and excitement for all who attend.

“It’s all family oriented and family run,” said Kevin Wadkins, whose father Roger Wadkins has been in the amusement business ever since he can remember. “I’ll be 30 years old this year and I grew up around the carnival all my life. My dad will be 57 and he’s been in it since he was 13.”

The carnival in Aberdeen opened Monday at 6 p.m. is scheduled to run through Saturday.

Despite the constant set up and break down, Kevin Wadkins said he welcomes the change.

“I enjoy moving it the most,” Wadkins said while working on rides before state amusement inspectors visited the site. “I enjoy going to a new town each week. If I had to stay in one place, I don’t think I could take it.”

But while the carnival is set up he enjoys serving his smallest customers.

“When we’re open, my favorite thing is seeing kids smile,” Wadkins said. “As long as they’re happy, we’re doing our jobs.”