A sincere thank you is owed to the organizers and sponsors of this year’s Saxonburg Carnival.

Even though the event will be smaller than in years past, their efforts in bringing back the beloved local event shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Further, we hope the community will come out in support of the carnival, which serves as a fundraiser for the Saxonburg VFC.

The carnival came together this year a little later than usual, as it was called off at the beginning of the year.

Ultimately, the event planned was smaller than usual. The carnival is expected to resemble the food truck events hosted in Saxonburg, rather than a large fair, chairman of event Paul Donaldson said in an article published last week in the Butler Eagle.

He went on to say there will be eight to 10 food trucks and vendors available during the four-day event. Further, eight to 10 rides will be set up at the carnival grounds, too.

In years past, the annual Saxonburg Carnival included a popular parade and a water battle. Though it’s not the Saxonburg Carnival we had become accustomed to, we do applaud those who are working hard to make this smaller version come together. Even the smaller event undoubtedly took significant time and energy to bring together.

Further, because of sponsor support of the popular event, gate admission will be free.

“With the year everyone has been having, we tried to put something together that would be enjoyable for the kids,” Donaldson said.

He’s right. It’s been a year like no other. Last year’s Saxonburg Carnival was canceled — like many other area events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s nice to see organizers and sponsors come together to make this event happen, especially with free admission.

Even though it looks a little different than in years past, we hope the community too is excited for the return of the event — which is not only a fundraiser for the Saxonburg VFC, but an event that’s become tradition for the area.

The Saxonburg Carnival opens at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 and Aug. 20, and at 4 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Saxonburg VFC grounds.

More information on the carnival is available at svfc.com.

— TAL