The Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival, seen here with lights blazing in 2008, will open at 6 p.m. Monday. Rides start at 6 p.m. each evening with a matinee starting at 1 p.m. June 13 and it's all at the carnival grounds in Saxonburg.

SAXONBURG — The event that for years was a staple of the annual Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival will return this year after a two-year absence.

The Miss Saxonburg pageant will once again be held as part of this year's 78th Saxonburg Carnival, which starts Monday and runs through June 13.

"We are hoping this is a restarting year and we can build from this year on," said Traci McLafferty, pageant coordinator.

The pageant consists of three divisions: Little Miss for ages 6 to 9 conducted on Tuesday; Junior Miss Saxonburg for ages 10 to 13 on Wednesday, and Miss Saxonburg for ages 14 to 18 on June 12.

Each contestant will be judged in casual wear, talent, and evening or formal wear categories and an interview.

"We judge the girls on poise, personality, talent and modeling," McLafferty said.

Admission is $2 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and shutting at 7:30 p.m. so as to not disturb the contestants at the ballroom on the carnival grounds.

Admission at the carnival gate is free on Monday, but will cost $2 Tuesday through June 13.

Passes for the rides are available for $15 at the gate, or presale ride tickets are available for $10 at the Volunteer Fire Department, 210 Horne Ave.

Along with the carnival rides and pageant there will be a pet parade at 7 p.m. Monday and a firemen's parade at 6:30 p.m. June 11, both on Main Street in Saxonburg.

There will also be a water battle at 7 p.m. Tuesday between local fire companies.

Raffle tickets will also be available. The raffle winners will be drawn on June 13 for the prizes: a 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide Touring Bike, a 42-inch high-definition television and $10,000 cash.

McLafferty and others involved in the carnival are a bit worried about the turnout, not only because of the state of the economy, but also because South Butler School District will still be in session due to the teachers' strike earlier in the school year. Organizers remain positive, however, since the Saxonburg Carnival is a tradition for many families.

McLafferty's family goes to the carnival every year. She even met her husband, Bruce, 33 years ago while she was onstage as a contestant in the Miss Saxonburg pageant.

"You never know what's going to happen at a pageant in Saxonburg," McLafferty said. Call 724-360-3300 for more information.