SAXONBURG — Saxonburg’s 84th Fireman’s Carnival that begins Monday will raise funds to support the fire department’s 100 active firefighters and ambulance personnel.

The carnival will run from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday to July 25 and will have the same traditional activities that continues to draw thousands to it each year.

But unlike previous years the carnival did not occur at the start of the summer. The department moved it into July get away from poor June weather.

The change also prompted the hiring of Bartlebaugh Amusement to provide almost 50 rides, games and concessions.

There is a $3 fee to enter the carnival grounds. Fire department President Chuck Lewis said this fee goes to pay the operational costs of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitors can buy ride-all-night wristbands.

Lewis said some businesses and advertisements have coupons for the wristbands.

“Local businesses are wonderful as they help us celebrate each year, and they help make carnival the success it has been for more than 80 years,” he said.

Lewis said the carnival draws an average of 12,000 visitors each year.

“Carnival stimulates activity in the borough of Saxonburg and brings visitors to town to shop, stroll Saxonburg’s Main street, and shop in the local businesses in and around Saxonburg,” he said.

There will be kidee matinees for rides from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. During the matinees, there is no charge to enter the grounds. The ride-all-night wristband applies to both day and night on these days.

Two children per matinee will receive bicycles through a drawing.

To start the week, the pet parade will be at 7 p.m. Monday. Prizes will be awarded in categories.

The Petite Miss Saxonburg Pageant will be Monday. The Junior Miss Saxonburg Pageant will be Wednesday, and Miss Saxonburg will be Friday. They all start at 7 p.m.

Also at 7 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters from different departments will compete in the annual water battle, a tug-of-war style event.

The Fireman’s Parade will start at 6 p.m. Thursday at Roebling Park and runs through almost a mile in the borough. Judges only will rate the fire and EMS units for prizes.

Lewis said marching units, musical units and drum corps also join fire crews in the about 100-unit parade.

This event is a big draw.

“We see people from Saxonburg marking their place along the parade route at the beginning of carnival week,” he said.

Major prizes will conclude the carnival around midnight Saturday with the raffle drawing results. The first prize is a 2015 Chevy Camaro. A 2015 Harley Davidson Low Rider is the second prize, and the third prize is $1,000 in cash.

Lewis said the carnival is a good way to interact with the community, but it is a primary fundraiser for the volunteers. The proceeds go to the department’s operating costs, such as the upgrade and upkeep of vehicles.

“Contrary to popular opinion, Saxonburg VFC receives no fire tax support and must make our operating capital through events like the carnival each year,” he said.

“The members of Saxonburg VFC are proud to remain fire tax free, but it’s difficult without support from our community through fundraisers like carnival week.”