Full Notification

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department Carnival- July 6-14.

From July 6-14, 2012 the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department will hold their annual carnival on the Fire Department grounds located at Earleigh Heights Road and Ritchie Highway. This yearly event draws thousand of citizens to the department grounds and results in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Earleigh Heights Road and Ritchie Highway. As a result, extreme caution must be used by those attending the carnival and those motorists traveling through the area on Ritchie Highway. In the past there have been traffic accidents involving pedestrians, tragically one was fatal last year, associated with this event.

Representatives from the County Roads Department, the State Highway Administration and the Eastern District Police teamed again this year to institute safety measures so the carnival can be held in a save environment and enjoyed by all. Some of these measures include increased lighting at the intersection of Earleigh Heights Rd and Ritchie Highway. Everyone should remember this intersection now has a pedestrian crosswalk and its use is mandatory. Officers will be on scene strictly enforcing pedestrian laws to ensure no one crosses Ritchie Highway outside of this crosswalk. We ask for everyone’s assistance with this safety measure.

Attendees should also use caution while parking for this event. Certain parking restrictions will be in place but everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings when parking and exiting their vehicle; especially if you are parking along a roadway. Keep a close eye on your children and avoid walking along the travel portion of the roadway.

Sign boards and digital speed trailers will be placed on Ritchie Highway alerting motorist to the event and pedestrian crossing ahead. This measure will be in place so motorist can see their speed and remember to slow down prior to approaching the Earleigh Heights Rd intersection. In addition, police officers will be out strictly enforcing the speed limit along Ritchie Highway. We hope everyone will slow down but those who choose not to will be greeted by a police office as they enter the area.

Again, our goal is to provide a safe environment both inside and outside the carnival. This can only be accomplished if those attending adhere to pedestrian rules and motorist slowing down while in the area of the carnival. Please help us by following these rules and sharing this safety message with your family and friends.