Children brace for a crash while riding bumper cars July 16, 1974, during the weeklong Saxonburg Fireman's Carnival. This year's event — the 78th annual celebration — kicked off Monday with the Pet Parade and will run through Saturday. The firemen held a water battle Tuesday evening and will parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Also this year, the Miss Saxonburg pageant will be held after a two-year absence, with three divisions competing Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.