PRESERVATION OF OVER 615 ACRES OF FOREST AND FARM LAND IN CECIL, DORCHESTER AND WICOMICO COUNTIES

The Board of Public Works has approved preservation of more than 615 acres of forest and farm land in Cecil, Dorchester and Wicomico counties through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program.

“These conservation easements protect the culture, environment, and history of our rural communities, while enabling landowners to continue to own and use their property for agricultural production and personal enjoyment,” said Governor O’Malley. “The success of Maryland’s nationally recognized Rural Legacy Program would not be possible without our partnership with local governments, land trusts and private landowners.”

In Cecil County, the board approved $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill.

In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area.

In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area.

Since 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.

Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

PRESERVATION OF OVER 615 ACRES OF FOREST AND FARM LAND IN CECIL, DORCHESTER AND WICOMICO COUNTIES

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation. Starting in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.

More recently, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved almost 10,000 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.

This includes  $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill in Cecil County. In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area. In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area.

Additionally, Cecil County gets  $16,972 to acquire 101 acres to establish the county’s first regional park about halfway between the towns of North East and Rising Sun. Worcester County will receive $23,648 to offset expansion costs of the Northside Park building in Ocean City.

The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

Comments Encouraged on Draft Oyster Environmental Impact Statement

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Marine Resources Commission today released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates oyster restoration alternatives for the Chesapeake Bay.

The study analyzes the direct and indirect ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of introducing a non-native species, the Suminoe oyster, continued efforts to restore the native Eastern oyster, and eight oyster restoration and management strategies.

“The document is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary oyster recovery study published to date,” said Norfolk District Commander Colonel Dionysios Anninos, and “involved the work of more than 90 scientists and several reviews by multiple independent panels.”

“The public release of the draft PEIS is a significant milestone for the five-year study,” Anninos added. “The PEIS will lay the foundation for all future oyster recovery actions in the Bay and we look forward to the public’s input on this important topic. The document does not name a preferred alternative; however, we’ve narrowed the alternatives to three basic combinations. Through extensive researched, we determined that no single alternative meets the established purpose and need of restoring the population.”

A preferred strategy will be identified in the final version of the PEIS, which the team expects to publish in late spring 2009, following the public comment period.

The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, includes an evaluation of the potential outcomes of a range of alternatives for restoring the native Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), as well as the outcomes of an introduction of a nonnative species, the Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis).

“This five-year effort built a sound scientific foundation on which to base a decision on whether to introduce a nonnative oyster species to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “Many, many scientists worked very hard on this and I thank them for their labors. Their work has been peer reviewed and those peer reviews have been peer reviewed. Exceptional diligence has been exercised. Now is the time for the public to make their voices heard. Public hearings will be held over the next two months and we eagerly await the public’s input. We are at the crossroads of an important decision. Rest assured, it will not be made lightly.”

Maryland officials also recognized the findings of the study and the importance of public feedback during the public comment period, Oct. 17 through Dec. 15.

“Thanks to the work of 90 scientists, we now have a significantly greater understanding of the ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of several different oyster restoration strategies,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Their work, along with public feedback, will help us decide the best way to re-establish a healthy, sustainable oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay — a goal that we must ultimately accomplish for the future of the bay, our children and grandchildren. We hope that Marylanders will share their ideas and concerns as we work to identify, and begin to implement, the best strategies to achieve our restoration goals.”

In order to facilitate public comment, the lead agencies have scheduled six public meetings, three in Virginia and three in Maryland. The schedule for those meeting is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Maryland:

– Wednesday, Nov. 12, Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 HG Truman Road, Solomons, Md. 20688

– Thurs. November 13: Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Md. 21401

– Friday, Nov. 14, Minnette Dick Memorial Hall (St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 2000 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, Md. 21613

Virginia:

– Wednesday, Nov. 5, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Va. 22443

Friday, Nov. 7, VMRC main office 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607

Monday, Nov. 10, Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418

Comments may be submitted until Dec. 15, 2008 via verbal testimony at the public meetings, mail to Department of the Army, Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers, Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield, Planning and Policy Branch, Fort Norfolk, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096.
or email to Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil. Comments should reference the Draft PEIS.

Form more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp or the following libraries:

• Anne Arundel Community College – Andrew G. Truxal Library – Arnold, Md.
• Anne Arundel Co. Public Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Calvert Co. Public Library – Prince Frederick, Md.
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library – Fredericksburg, Va.
• Chesapeake College Library – Wye Mills, Md.
• Corbin Memorial Library – Crisfield, Md.
• Dorchester Co. Public Library – Cambridge and Hurlock, Md.
• Eastern Shore Public Library – Accomac, Va
• Enoch Pratt Free Library – Baltimore, Md.
• Fairfax Co. Public Library – Fairfax, Va.
• Federal Maritime Commission Library – Washington, D.C.
• Henrico Co. Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Kent Co. Public Library – Chestertown, Md.
• Lewis Egerton Smoot Memorial Library – King George, Va.
• Loudoun Co. Public Library – Leesburg, Va.
• MD State Law Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Norfolk Public Library – Norfolk, Va.
• Northumberland Public Library – Heathsville, Va.
• Petersburg Public Library – Petersburg, Va.
• Queen Anne’s Co. Library – Stevensville and Centerville, Md.
• Richmond Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Somerset Co. Library – Princess Anne and Ewell, Md.
• St. Mary’s Co. Memorial Library – Leonardtown, Md.
• State Dept. of Legislative Reference Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Sudlersville Memorial Library – Sudlersville, Md.
• Talbot Co. Free Library – St. Michaels, Easton and Tilghman (Elementary School), Md.
• Calvert Co. Library – Twin Beaches Branch – Chesapeake Beach, Md.
• Virginia Beach Public Library – Virginia Beach, Va.
• Wicomico Co. Free Library – Salisbury, Md.

OVER 1,072 ACRES OF FOREST LAND ON EASTERN SHORE PRESERVED

Governor Martin O’Malley recently announced  Board of Public Works approval of preservation of over 1,072 acres of forest land on the Eastern Shore through stateside Program Open Space, including three sites that dramatically improve public access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a 3,000 mile waterway tracing the 17^th Century explorer’s travels through the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

“The conservation of these properties on the Eastern Shore will safeguard wildlife habitat, protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, and provide for sustainable forestry,” Governor O’Malley said. “In addition, they offer remarkable opportunities for our citizens to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of one of the region’s most important natural resources.”

The 11 properties in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties are high priority conservation acquisitions under Maryland’s new Program Open Space Stateside Targeting System. The ecologically based targeting approach was developed last year under Governor O’Malley’s BayStat I, nitiative to ensure the state is protecting the most strategically important landscapes to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

The state will be purchasing the properties at below fair market value for $2.5 million, thanks to a $695,000 gift from The Conservation Fund.

“Preserving these properties safeguards wildlife habitat, protects the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, provides for sustainable forestry and allows water access for public recreation,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland Representative for The Conservation Fund.  “We are proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on this remarkable conservation opportunity that will benefit the people ─ and wildlife ─ of Maryland.”

“Conserving land and improving public access to the bay are high priorities of the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail,” said Charles Stek, chairman of the nonprofit group. “I commend the members and staff of the Board of Public Works and Department of Natural Resources for taking this important step to achieve those goals.”

The three properties adjacent to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail are:

McMichael Tract in Wicomico County; including more than 64 acres bordering Quantico Creek, which drains into the Quantico River. This section of Quantico Creek is fairly broad and deep and would be able to accommodate a variety of small crafts. Quantico is considered one of the prettiest creeks in Maryland. Furthermore, broad uplands in portions of the tract make this site suitable for primitive camping.

Evans Tract in Somerset County; more than 50 acres bordering Monie Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and has existing access for boats and kayaks and is suitable for primitive camping.

Lee-Jones Tract in Dorchester County; more than 57 acres straddling Corsey Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and is best suited for kayak and canoeing and primitive camping.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 8,807 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.  Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation areas.  The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

COMMUNITY NEWS

After-school program offered

SALISBURY — Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury has openings in its after-school program.

The program is open from 3-6 p.m. and offers homework assistance, art, field trips and other planned activities.

Call Myra Ringgold at 410-873-2422 or 410-749-4252.

Seniors needed for foster help

SALISBURY — Shore Up’s Foster Grandparents Program is recruiting low-income senior citizens to work with children and youth in Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester, Dorchester and Caroline counties.

Senior participants receive a tax-free stipend.

Call 410-749-1142, ext. 354.

Blackwater Refuge to host open house

CAMBRIDGE — Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge holds an open house Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Activities include a bird walk at 8 a.m., children’s programs, live peregrine falcon program with falconer Andrew Bullen, live reptile and butterfly programs, Halloween animals and more.

In addition, there will be two eagle prowls, and three van tours of the refuge exploring areas not normally open to the public. There will be no advance registration. Tickets can be obtained only on the day of the event.

Call 410-228-2677 or visit http://www.fws.gov/ blackwater or http://www.friendsofblackwater.org.

End of Life planning is topic

SALISBURY — Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s 55+ membership program, Peninsula Partners, hosts its next “Living and Learning: An Educational Experience” on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 1-4 p.m.

The topic for this event is “End of Life Planning” and features “Wills and Estate Planning” presented by attorney David Vorhis; “Advance Directives” presented by Elnetha Martin, chaplain, Peninsula Regional Medical Center; and “FAQ’s: Body Donor Program” presented by Ronald S. Wade, director, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Anatomical Services Division.

The event takes in the Avery W. Hall Educational Center auditorium on the campus of Peninsula Regional. The program is free, but advance registration is required by Oct. 6. Call 410-543-7170.

Ward Museum hosts pig roast

SALISBURY — The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury hosts its annual benefit Eastern Shore Pig Roast from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, under the pondside pavilion. The pig roast is catered by Chef Stewart of Flannery’s.

This year the Ward Foundation commemorates its 40th anniversary with a toast to its past successes, good health and future endeavors. Each person attending the pig roast receives a commemorative wine glass for the toast. A drawing for a 50/50 raffle also is planned. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the museum’s gift shop.

Call 410-742-4988, ext. 120.

Library hosts free computer classes

SALISBURY — The Centre Branch of the Wicomico Public Library offers a series of free computer classes for people with various levels of experience on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Call 410-546-5397 or go to http://www.wicomico library.org.

Trip planned to Renaissance fest

SALISBURY — Salisbury University will host a bus trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The festival features re-created 16th century English Tudor village on 25 wooded acres, jousting, food crafts and entertainment on 10 stages.

Tickets are $25 for SU students, $45 for other community members. Tickets are available at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk.

Busses leave at 7 a.m. from the Dogwood parking lot at SU, and will leave for the return trip at 7 p.m.

Call 410-219-2872 or visit http://www.salisbury.edu.

Make vegetarian versions of dishes

SALISBURY — Learn how to make quick and easy one-skillet vegetarian versions of classic dishes at the Pittsville Branch of the Wicomico Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. Space is limited.

Call 410-835-2353.

Cancer detection information offered

SALISBURY — In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sue Revelle, director of Women Supporting Women, will discuss early detection of breast cancer and how the organization can help cancer patients.

The program will be presented at the main branch of the Wicomico Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. in Room 4.

Visit http://www.wicomico library.org or call 410-749-3612.

UMES hosts dining event

PRINCESS ANNE — When the students and faculty of the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore don their chef’s hats to prepare for an evening of gourmet dining, it’s one hot ticket.

One hundred diners will be able to purchase a ticket for the department’s Princess Anne Seafood Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Richard Henson Center Ballroom.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased only in person at the Richard Henson Center, Room 2114, beginning Friday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Friday, until they are sold out. No tickets will be available at the door.

Call Angie Price at 410-651-6563.

Bus trip planned to New York City

SALISBURY — A bus trip is being planned to New York City on Saturday, Oct. 18. Participants can go shopping, see a Broadway show or visit historic landmarks. The cost is $55 and includes transportation on a luxury motor coach.

The bus will leave the Fruitland Wal-Mart at 6 a.m. and will drop off passengers at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.

Proceeds will benefit the Coastal Xtreme All Stars.

Call 410-219-9209 or visit http://www.league lineup.com/coastalxtremeallstars.

Tickets on sale for Star events

BERLIN — Las Vegas comedian Tony Pace will perform at the Ocean City Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Star Charities will assist by selling tickets. Any proceeds raised by Star Charities for selling the tickets will go to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Fund.

Call Susan Curtis at 443-235-2654 or Ann Foultz at 410-641-7667.

In addition, on Saturday, Oct. 25, Star Charities hosts a card and games party to benefit the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Fund. The event will be held at the Ocean Pines Country Club from noon-4 p.m. Lunch is included and tickets are $25.

Call 410-208-6612 or 410-641-7667.

WICOMICO COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced recently  that county residents can dispose of hazardous household waste at no charge on Saturday, September 20th at the Newland Park Landfill. The hours for “Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day” are 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

The event is open to residents of Wicomico County and participants should bring a valid proof of residence such as a driver’s license. The Landfill will be accepting the following:

Gasoline

Gas/Oil mixes

Fuels

Acids

Cleaners

Solvents

Automotive Fluids

Bleach

Ammonia

Batteries (all types)

Household Smoke Detectors

Asbestos

Pool Chemicals

Dark Room Chemicals

Household & Lawn & Garden Pesticides

Insecticides & Herbicides

Compressed Gas Propane Cylinders (30 gallon and under)

Painting Products

Oil Based Paint

Paint Thinner

Turpentine

Wood Preservatives

Wood Stripping Chemicals

Landfill officials noted that solidified latex paint may be disposed of with trash. It can be solidified by adding dirt, mulch, kitty litter or a comparable substance.

The Landfill will not be accepting the following:

Business, Industrial or Commercial Farm Waste

Explosives

Ammunition (handled by Fire Marshall)

Medical Waste

Radioactive Material

Landfill officials suggest that participants pre-arrange large loads. They also said that empty fuel containers will be returned upon request and that staff will help unload vehicles.

County Executive Pollitt commented, “Wicomico County has just been cited by the Governor and the MDE for its environmentally friendly marinas. “Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day” is another step in the right direction of preserving our beautiful county for future generations.”

DNR NEWS

Three Months Free Visits to State Parks With 2009 Maryland State Park Passport

Individuals who purchase a 2009 Maryland State Park Passport now, may visit any Maryland State Park for free for the next three months.  Perfect for hikers, boaters, & picnickers, the passport gives unlimited day-use entry for up to nine people in a vehicle to any of Maryland’s 49 state parks; free boat launching at all facilities; and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.

DNR Certifies New Clean Marinas in Anne Arundel & Wicomico Counties

DNR recently certified Annapolis Yacht Club’s Sailing Center in Anne Arundel County as a Clean Marina and Nanticoke Harbor in Wicomico County as a Clean Marina Partner, bringing the total number of certified facilities in Maryland to 132.

SMART GROWTH LISTENING SESSION

Smart Growth Listening Session

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Wicomico County High School, 201 Long Ave. in Salisbury (Wicomico County)

Smart Growth Listening Session

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Queen Anne’s County High School, 125 Ruthsburg Rd. in Centreville

Smart Growth Listening Session

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

2008 Wicomico County Autumn Wine Festival

Tickets for the upcoming Autumn Wine Festival are now available at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office, at all Bank of Delmarva locations and all Maryland PNC Bank branches. The discounted advance tickets may also be purchased at the Civic Center Box Office and online at http://www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org.

Advance tickets are $15 plus fees and include a complimentary wine glass and wine samples. Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 or $5 for designated drivers.

The festival will feature fourteen Maryland wineries, fine arts and crafts and an array of festival foods. Plus local and regional jazz performers are set to take the stage. The entertainment line-up is as follows:

Saturday, October 20
11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Bill Stone
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Backfin Banjo Band
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Smooth Play
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Lady A

Sunday, October 21
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Dark Gold
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Paul Cullen
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM On the Edge

Festival hours are 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. If you would like more information, please contact the Wicomico Tourism office at (410) 548-4914 or (800) 332-TOUR.

Volunteers are still needed for this event. Please contact John Grimsley at 410-548-4900 ext.114 if interested. All volunteers will receive an event t-shirt and free admission to the event!

For a detailed schedule of events, band bios and information on attending wineries and vendors, please visit http://www.AutumnWineFestival.org.

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August Events On the Shore

Wicomico Farm & Home Show – Aug. 14-16. New events this year include an Antique Tractor Pull on Friday evening, A”Model Horse” Show on Saturday afternoon, and a redesign of our Annual Thursday night Cake Auction to “turn it back in time” to a family oriented opportunity to recognize you own special cake (or pie) Baker & also support the Farm & Home Show. Hope to see everyone of you there…And don’t forget to bring your favorite politician. Schedule of events.

Purnell-Thomas Memorial Tennis Tournament – through August 17, Salisbury University Tennis Courts. Professional tennis comes to the shore with a total purse of $40,000. Charitable proceeds from the event benefit Coastal Hospice.

Caroline Summerfest – August 15-16, Downtown Denton and Daniel Crouse Memorial Park along the beautiful Choptank River. Caroline Summerfest is a free, family event. It features more than 100 musicians and performers on four stages. There is rock, country, bluegrass, blues and jazz music. There are jugglers, magicians, acrobats, dancers and variety entertainment strolling the grounds and on stage.

Delmarva Shorebirds – August 15-18, Home games versus the Savannah Sand Gnats. Friday night NFL Night with Washington Redskin’s Cheerleaders and fireworks. Saturday night fireworks. Sunday lunch bag giveaway. Monday night Robinson’s Jewelry and Clock Store Diamond Dig.

Sizzlin’ Summer Music Review – August 15-17, Mar-Va Theater, Pocomoke, MD. Presented by the Community Players of Salisbury.

Choptank Rivah Run 2008 – Saturday, August 16, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Martinak State Park To Choptank River. A fun open 2-mile paddling event for children and adults of all ages (under 18 must be with adult). Any type of paddle craft is eligible for this “POKER RUN”. Entry form.

28th Annual East Coast Skimboarding Championship – August 16-17, Dewey Beach, DE.

Queen Anne’s County Fair – Aug 11-16, Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park.

Sharptown Fireman’s Carnival, Sharptown, MD. Through August 23. Opens at 7:00 PM nightly. Closed Sundays. No admission charge. Free parking. Ride wristbands $10. Food offerings include oyster sandwiches, french fries, pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes. Sharptown lays claim to the shore’s largest fireman’s carnival now in its 82nd year.