If you go
What: Beacon Hose Firemen’s Carnival and Parade
When: June 7, 6-10 p.m.; June 8, 6-11 p.m.; June 9, 3-11:30 p.m.
Where: Beacon Hose Company No. 1, 35 North Main St.
More info: Beacon Hose Firemen’s Carnival and Parade will feature rides, food, games and live music. For more information, visit www.beaconhose.com.
BEACON FALLS — Old favorites and some new features are in store when Beacon Hose Company No. 1’s Firemen’s Carnival and Parade returns for its 55th year.
The carnival, which dates back to 1963, kicks off Thursday for three days of fried foods, rides, games and live music.
The carnival is annually the largest event in town and it’s the biggest fundraiser for the volunteer company. Proceeds from the three-day event help fund the company and its programs, including fire prevention, scholarships for local students, holiday celebrations and community events.
“We feel we do a really good job,” Beacon Hose Fire Chief Brian DeGeorge said. “To the department it is a tradition to have it, so we pray for good weather.”
There are some new wrinkles this year, including one that comes with a big cash prize.
Beacon Hose is holding a raffle that will award $17,000 in total prizes with a grand prize of $10,000. Raffle tickets are $20 each. They are available at the firehouse, online at www.beaconhose.com, or at Beacon Falls Pharmacy, Gabe’s Service Center, and the River’s Edge Pub and Grille. Tickets will also be sold during the carnival up until the drawing on the night of June 9.
The carnival grounds will be a little roomier this year. North Main Street in front of the firehouse will be closed to make room for the bandstand. Each night of the carnival will feature live music, including country cover bands Nashville Drive on June 8 and Hazzard County Band on June 9. The other side of North Main Street will be open to two-way traffic.
There will also be plenty of familiar sights at the carnival.
The trivia competition is back for a fourth year. The competition, which is on the carnival’s opening night, is open to teams of two to eight players for $5 per person. The winning team takes home half the pot.
The annual firemen’s parade steps on June 9 at 6 p.m. at Route 42 and South Main Street. The parade is expected to draw 40 fire companies from around the state.
Rides from Marenna Amusements will be open all three nights and wristbands will be available each night for $35 for unlimited rides.
Beacon Hose is accepting donations and sponsorships to help offset the cost of the running the carnival. For more information, visit www.beaconhose.com.
