Fireman’s parade at Worthington Carnival a success despite weather
WORTHINGTON, Armstrong County — Spurts of rain and overcast weather did not get in the way of Armstrong County locals, as well as some visitors, who came out in big numbers to enjoy the Worthington-West Franklin Volunteer Fire Department fireman’s parade at 6:30 p.m., June 19, at the Worthington Carnival.
On what was day four of a six-day carnival, visiting families sat on their chairs by the side of Main Street while homeowners along the road sat on their front porches to experience the annual celebration in the midst of periodic rainfall.
Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks were among the ceremonious procession sponsored by Worthington Hardware, which also consisted of local mascots and marching bands. Candy was distributed to children by participants.
Connie Feeney, a lead organizer of the parade for more than 35 years, said that bad weather is nothing new to the fireman’s parade or for the recurring visitors.
“It seems like every year, it’s rain,” Feeney said. “Or last year, it was so hot you could not stand it. The parade goes — rain or shine.”
Feeney said many out-of-state residents visit the carnival as well, many of whom are alums of the former Worthington High School, now the Worthington Civic Center.
“We usually have a great turnout,” Feeney said.
John Hancock, a resident of Worthington, said that the carnival is a long-running tradition for the local community and means a lot to the residents.
“If you are from around here, you come to this,” Hancock said. “Seems like every year, the weather is bad. That does not slow people down.”
The carnival itself, down a block from Main Street, fared successfully as well. Food vendors and toy vendors were accompanied by live music from the band Dinnerbell Road, which is one of the six bands playing at the carnival over the course of the week. Crowds enjoyed various games, from bucket rings to psycho spin.
The fireman’s parade will be followed by the bike parade on Friday, June 20, which will also take place on Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Evelyn Jack runs back to the side of the street as she joyfully collects candy during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Parade attendees collect candy during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Makenna, left, Gavin, and Lynzee Myers celebrate as candy is thrown through a basketball hoop in an umbrella during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The Kittanning Fire Department Men’s Band plays during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Parade attendees collect candy during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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A boy throws candy while sitting on a parade truck during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade was held on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The Kittanning Fire Department Men’s Band plays during the annual Worthington Fireman’s Parade on Main Street on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
