The Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival is back.
Sponsored by Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, the event continues from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Saturday, weather permitting, in Kennedy Park.
The annual fundraiser began in 1991 but was canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s great to see it back,” said Vandergrift Councilman John Uskuraitis, who is the borough’s parks, pool and recreation chairman.
Ride-all-night passes are $17 .
Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 President Mike Reilly said he’s looking forward to getting back on track in regard to fundraising this year.
“Money raised from the carnival will go back to our general account,” Reilly said. “This carnival has been around more than 40 years.”
The event serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the fire company and usually raises about $4,000.
Reilly said the company lost about $8,000 to $10,000 in revenue during the pandemic.
Like many fire departments, organizers had to get creative with fundraising, resorting to online raffles after fish fries and other standard in-person fundraisers were canceled last year.
“We use a lot of grant money, so we weren’t affected as badly,” said Reilly of the 2020 company finances.
Rides, concessions and games are provided by family-owned and Pittsburgh-based Penn Premier Shows.
All rides are checked by a certified inspector and licensed by the state.
