The Traveling Carnivals arrive unscheduled but not unannounced in Berador two or more times a year. One arrives in spring before the May Day celebration and another after the Fall Equinox, but long before the biting chill of winter. The summer Carnivals are less reliable; some years as many as three may roll through town and other years there may be none at all.
First Sighting
Onnys Timmons, called Oni by his friends, sits atop the family house basking in the early spring sun. After a long and cold winter he couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy the warmer days. Well before noon, but later in the morning, he has finished some of his chores and takes what he believes a well-earned rest.
As he sits listening to birds chirp in the new season he spots a wagon rumbling beyond the pecan orchard down the Road. It slips in and out behind trees playing peek-a-boo with the boy. Oni scrambles to his feet and catches a glimpse of another wagon. And another.
"Mama! Papa!" he cries out as he scuttles to the edge of the roof heedless of any danger. He swings his legs out, flips over to his stomach and shimmies off the roof and down a banister on the front porch. A middle-aged woman wearing an apron and carrying a wooden spoon dripping with batter meets him at the door.
"What's the fuss, Onnys Timmons?" she asks.
The boy, breathless from exertion and with excitement let's out in a rush, "The Carnival's come, Mama; I seen 'em coming down by the pecans! I'm gonna race with 'em to town. Get Gale and Ry. Quick, Mama, hurry, before they leave us!"
"Gale! Ryness! You kids come out here with your brother. The Carnival's come to town."
With hurried instructions, Mama hands over some silver stars and copper pennies to the three kids. They will follow the Carnival in to town and be in line early to get the things Mama needs. And they'll each have five copper pennies to spend as they see fit.
to be continued
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