Springdale VFD’s annual Jubilee comes to an end after 9 decades

The Springdale Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Jubilee carnival has been canceled, with no plans of returning.

Zach Wilhem, secretary for the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department, said decreased attendance in the last 10 years and costly overhead expenses led to the decision to stop holding the event.

“This announcement is made with a heavy heart from all the members of the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department, as no one is more upset than us to see this event end, but unfortunately this particular event is no longer feasible,” he said in an email to the Tribune-Review.

The popular social event has been held for more than 90 years. Usually held around the Fourth of July, the weeklong event offered rides, games, food and a parade.

The Jubilee was the biggest fundraiser for the department, which put on the entire event without outside sources of income. Sales from refreshments, tickets and donations all offset the costs, and the remaining revenues supported the department.

Upfront expenses for the carnival included $15,000 for the fireworks show, $7,000 for parade attractions and $8,000 for food and beverages.

Wilhelm said the fire department is unable to maintain reasonable prices for the food and games because of the rising costs for attractions and refreshments. Because the event is held outdoors, the unpredictable weather adds onto expenses in case of field maintenance, which has increased in price, he said.

Over its history, the Jubilee was canceled twice: in 2020 with the pandemic and another time in 1940s. In 2021, the department did not even make plans to hold the event.

To continue to raise funds in 2020, the fire department offered its famous carnival “take and bake” pizza for takeout.

The last carnival was held in 2019.

Springdale Councilmember Shawn Fitzgerald said the Jubilee was an opportunity to bring visibility to Springdale and what it had to offer. He said it provided a way to bring the community together, including the surrounding volunteer fire departments who attended.

“It is a sad thing they are not doing it,” he said, “but I understand.”