The Boalsburg Fire Company depends on fundraisers to buy new equipment each year, and their annual carnival is one of the biggest and most important events that they throw.
“The kids really look forward to this. They’ve been talking about this for a couple of weeks now and making sure that they could come on the first night of the carnival,” Boalsburg resident Erica Kennedy said.
The Boalsburg Fire Company Chief Van Winter says the carnival has been going on for as long as he can remember — which is at least 35 years. While its something kids look forward to each year, so does the fire company.
“The cost of doing firefighting is tremendous…start looking to buy turnout gear at $3,000 a set, you got 43 members…that’s $129,000 right there. We’re sitting with about $3.4 to $3.7 million of fire apparatus.
So they hold the carnival to not only help offset those costs but bring the community they serve together.
“The fire company does a lot for the community. They’re always out and about, directing traffic and responding to calls and keeping everybody safe. And we really appreciate their presence here in our community,” Kennedy said.
On Friday, May 25th, the carnival is open from 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 26th, is Parade Day. The line-up for the parade begins at 3 p.m., with the parade starting at 5 p.m. rain or shine. The carnival will be open following the parade until 10 p.m.
Sunday, May 27th, will be a wristband afternoon, $15 gives the wristband wearer unlimited rides from 2-6 p.m.
Memorial Day the carnival will be open from 10-4 p.m.
Any questions or to register to be in the Parade contact info@boalsburgfire.com