A good way to both support a vital community institution and make some great summer memories is to attend the upcoming Saxonburg Fireman’s Carnival.

This year, the annual event, now in its 95th year, begins June 23 with the traditional pet parade and continues through June 27. The carnival will also feature a firemen’s water battle on Main Street June 24, a firemen’s parade June 25, carnival rides, a car show, games and vendors.

A hot sausage sandwich and a paper cone of French fires drizzled with vinegar somehow always tastes best when eaten while strolling through the rides and games on the fire company grounds on Horne Avenue.

Admission to the carnival grounds will be free this year thanks to the contributions of 20 local businesses.

But the parades, rides and other events are all in the service of a great cause. Because the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department receives no tax support, carnival week is a major fundraiser.

Fundraising has become a major concern for all volunteer fire departments across the nation as the cost of equipment and training is rising. For example, the most basic gear for a firefighter is estimated to be $3,000, while the cost of new fire engine could reach $2 million.

Volunteer firemen perform many tasks in addition to fighting fires. They often are called upon to extricate victims from wrecked vehicles, deal with hazardous material spills and provide first aid, CPR and other life support methods, as well as dealing with floods or other natural disasters.

If this year’s Saxonburg Fireman’s Carnival is a success, this means the department can spend more time training for these duties and less time on other fundraising efforts.

That’s more than enough reason to attend a parade or take a turn around the carnival grounds. Well, that and the hot sausage sandwiches.

— EF