Happening Nightly, Aug. 3 to 7, in Easton
It’s back! Easton’s famous, old-fashioned Fireman’s Carnival returns to the Green on Center Road in front of Easton Volunteer Fire Company #1 for its 80th season. Covid shut down the annual carnival in 2020, which makes this year all the more exciting.
Not only is the Easton Volunteer Fire Company presenting its 80th carnival, it’s also celebrating its 100th anniversary as an organization, according to Fire Chief Steve Waugh. The weather forecast is terrific, and everyone is really looking forward to it, he said.
“We’re working hard to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything since we couldn’t have it last year,” he said. “We’re excited and want everyone to have a stress-free, good time.”
The carnival runs from Tuesday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 7. Hours of operation are 6 to 11 p.m. nightly. Parking is free at Silverman’s Farm with shuttle buses from Helen Keller Middle School for overflow parking. Handicap and senior parking is available adjacent to the Easton Emergency Medical Services, 448 Sport Hill Road.
Many people come for dinner in the food tent, Waugh said. Some come especially for the homemade peach cobbler and other scrumptious desserts, made by firefighters’ spouses and families. All of the food is prepared by volunteers and includes favorite carnival fare like hamburgers, cheese burgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, chicken fingers, French fries, and steak sandwiches.
The volunteers have added pizza frites and other fried dough treats to their repertoire. The choices have blossomed into things like fried Twinkies, Oreos, Snickers and other surprises. “It’s out of control!” Waugh said. “I’m going to sneak down and get my hands on a fried hot dog and other culinary treats.”
The popular Bingo tent is ready for patrons to come and play with all-new Bingo balls. Stewart Amusements supplies the popular rides and stations. “With Dick Stewart, no detail is overlooked,” Waugh said.
Patrons can ride all night for one price. Ride bracelets cost $25. Raffle tickets are selling fast for this year’s winner’s choice of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4by4. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold, Waugh said. “I had the opportunity to drive the Grand Cherokee Overland here from the dealership, and it’s nice,” he said.
Proceeds from the carnival cover year-to-year costs for fuel, insurance, electricity, building and grounds maintenance in addition to coming up with funds for a battery-powered extrication tool for helping out at accidents, according to Waugh.
Waugh has been fire chief for nine years and is in his 21st year as a fire company volunteer “We’re always on the lookout for firefighters and volunteers to help with the organization,” he said.
“We really look forward to the opportunity for people to have a good time. We hope everyone comes down and enjoy themselves.”
Easton Volunteer Fire Company #1 is at One Center Road in Easton, Conn. Find out more at eastonvfc.com.
