Pets of all kinds advance down Main Street in Saxonburg during last year's pet parade at the Saxonburg Carnival. The carnival runs Tuesday through Saturday.

The Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual carnival Tuesday through Saturday.

This year, however, there also will be a community event Monday, according to Cameron Lewis, carnival co-chairman and a volunteer firefighter. Lewis noted that the C&L Shows carnival company, based in Mount Pleasant, Pa., recommended the later start and that the VFD wanted to “try something new.”

The community day on Main Street will begin at 5 p.m. with fire trucks lined up for residents to view and food options will be available.

“We’ll still be up there to spend some time with the community and our families,” Lewis said.

The carnival schedule includes a pet parade Tuesday with a water battle and kiddee matinee Wednesday. The Fireman’s Parade is scheduled for Thursday.

Throughout the week, pageants will be conducted to select Little, Junior and Miss Saxonburg winners.

The carnival is the fire department’s annual fundraising event. Money raised will help finance fire gear and other fire department expenses.

However, Lewis said the important aspect of the carnival is bringing the community together.

“You see the community come out, get together and enjoy the show,” Lewis said. “There is something for everyone and that’s pretty cool.”

For more information, view the Saxonburg Fire Department’s Facebook (SaxonburgVFC) page or visit www.svfc.com.