By Elio Gugliotti, Editor
BEACON FALLS — After a year hiatus, the Beacon Hose Firemen’s Carnival and Parade is back.
The carnival, which dates back to 1963, is the largest fundraiser for Beacon Hose Co. No. 1. The money raised supports the volunteer fire and EMS department as well as community programs, scholarships and youth sports sponsorships provided by Beacon Hose.
Beacon Hose canceled the carnival last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beacon Hose Chief Brian DeGeorge said the department made due last year with a financial cushion it built up and some smaller fundraisers, but would have started to feel the pinch if the carnival was canceled again this year.
The department made some adjustments to bring back the carnival. The carnival is typically held over the summer from a Thursday through Saturday. For the first time, the carnival will be in the fall with the festivities set for this weekend — Friday from 6-11 p.m., Saturday from 2-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. — at the firehouse, 35 North Main St.
DeGeorge said he hopes the carnival can bring the community together for a good time and be a step toward getting back to the normality of life.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the normal faces and getting back to our groove,” DeGeorge said.
Despite the seasonal change, the carnival promises to deliver all the usual revelry the town has grown accustomed to over the decades. There will be rides and games from Marenna Amusements, a wide range of food and drinks available, live entertainment each day, and a dunk tank manned by Woodland Regional High School students and teachers.
The annual parade featuring fire and EMS companies from throughout the state steps off at 4 p.m. Saturday from South Main Street. The parade route will travel from South Main Street to the firehouse.
Beacon Hose is once again holding a cash raffle with a grand prize of $10,000 in cash. Tickets are $20 and available at the firehouse, through Beacon Hose members or online at beaconhose.com. There are 2,500 tickets, which will be sold while supplies last. The drawing will be Sunday at 4 p.m. Winners don’t need to be present.
The department is also holding a free raffle for Laurel Ledge Elementary School students. The drawing is Saturday at 3:45 p.m. Winners must be present for the raffle.
For information, visit beaconhose.com, or contact carnival chairman Kyle Brennan at carnival@beaconhose.com or 203-490-8929.
