Charity event in Highspire began as a joke – but it has raised thousands to fight cancer, even after the death of one of its founders.

Motorcycles. Belly dancers. Pro wrestlers. Highspire’s Bikers and Belly Dancers Ride Against Cancer had everything – except one of its founders, Michael Giovannini.

He would have been there if he could, riding his motorcycle with other participants, watching his wife, Pat, dance at Memorial Park. He wanted to help the cause – raise funds, inspire others who were suffering or watched someone suffer – because he had battled cancer, too.

Paul Ziegler died before he could embark on a 3,000-mile bike trip to raise money for peace. But his vision inspired strangers to make the journey in his place.

Bob Gross walked 500 miles. And then he walked 150 more. From Indiana to Elizabethtown, over hills, on highways and trails, through rainy days and windy afternoons. For six weeks, carrying only a backpack with a change of clothes and other essentials.

Why? For peace.

It may not be as old as some local carnivals - but if you need proof that the Middletown Carnival is a prized addition to the town, just ask the 300 people who attended it each night last year.

The fourth annual carnival will be held Tuesday, June 18 throughSaturday, June 22 this year, and will feature martial arts displays, Zumba, the semi-pro football Elizabethtown Mustangs, bands, vendors and, of course, everyone’s favorite carnival features - great food and fun rides.

“I think it’s a big family function,” said Michelle Noon, the ways and means chairperson for the Middletown Youth Club, which sponsors the event. “Every year it seems to get a little bigger. We have more business vendors than we’ve ever had before.”

The carnival, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, will be held at the corner of Union and Susquehanna streets.

All proceeds benefit the Youth Club, a nonprofit organization that provides activities for children age 5 to 14.
“They have their football team and their cheerleading team, but we also try to get them involved in [charitable] organizations,” Noon said. “We try to teach our kids to give back.”

The festival has had success despite being hampered by rain the past two years, and Noon is hoping for better weather this year.

The fun starts with free Zumba, a dance fitness program, on June 18, while pop-punk band Basic Black takes the stage on June 19. Fearless Dragon Martial Arts will provide martial arts demonstrations on June 21 and June 22, and classic rock band Spank will perform on June 21.

Daniel Walmer: 717-944-4628, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The weather gods must enjoy the Middletown Fair as much as the hundreds of residents who attended.