Fireman's Carnival Starts This Wednesday

The Monroe Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual carnival from Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, July 9, at Fireman's Field located at the corner of Routes 110 and 111. The carnival will operate each night between 6 and 11 p.m.

Stewart Amusement company will be operating a variety of exciting rides to entertain children and adults of all ages. There will also be games of chance and skill and the traditional carnival food offerings. Admission is free and ride all night wrist bands will be available for sale. Parking is available on the carnival grounds and at the nearby St. Jude Church.

The Fireman's Carnival is a throw back to the old days of Monroe. According to Monroe Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Kevin Catalano, when the fire department was formed in 1923, its volunteers operated a carnival on the town green for three nights to help fund the purchase of a fire truck and equipment.

The carnival was a tremendous success with an extremely large turnout from Monroe and its surrounding towns. Many people had never witnessed such large crowds in town nor had Monroe roads ever accommodated the estimated 1,200 cars that arrived.

Crowds were entertained by dancing, singing, public speakers, and a minstrel show. A raffle was held featuring a silver belt buckle, an electric lamp, an oil stove, and a pair of scissors.

Today, the fire department continues to rely on the carnival to help fund its operations and capital improvements, and it is the department's second largest fund raiser, according to Catalano.

"Don't expect a minstrel show or belt buckle raffle," he said, "but one of the reasons why we like to host the carnival is because its provides a safe and fun event for families to enjoy."