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Centennial History Book
Good times and relaxation were provided by ENTERTAINMENT
THE MARCH OF DIMES CARNIVAL
In January of 1940 the first March of Dimes Carnival was held in Farnam. Previous to this donation, containers were placed in the business places for contributions. The various clubs sponsored different booths to make money for this cause just as they do today. The Carnival was not as big of an event as it is now.
Typical of one of the first carnivals is the following one. On January 25th, 1944 a carnival was held in the school gymnasium. Basketball games were played by Farnam and Smithfield. In between the first and second team games there were carnival concessions set up sponsored by different organizations of the town and community. The proceeds were divided among the counties that were represented at this affair. In 1945 there was no basketball game at the carnival.
In 1946 two Farnam boys contracted polio. They were Delvin Messersmith and Gordon Wiggers. Polio had hit our community and after this the March of Dimes Carnival took on a new meaning.
Walter Kriemelmeyer was Superintendent of Farnam Schools at this time. With his help and the Lions Club the Carnival grew. Tickets were sold at ten cents each. These tickets could be spent at any of the booths or any of the activities of the Carnival. Bingo, buying chances on donated items, and the kitchen were added attractions to the already existing booths. The kitchen was sponsored by some organization. All the food was donated. The organization would see that it was served, and the people would buy it. Families would come in to eat their supper at the carnival. The kitchen would be open all evening or until they ran out of food.
The people of Farnam are not the only ones who enjoy this evening of fun. Many people from other towns enjoy this carnival, too. The carnival not only gives us an evening of entertainment but it also provides a contribution to worthy causes. When the carnival first began, it was entirely for the March of Dimes. Now it is divided percentage wise to the Heart Fund, Easter Seal, the Cancer Fund, and the March of Dimes with Frontier, Dawson and Lincoln Counties being considered for the funds.
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