HELLERTOWN, Pa. — Opening night of Dewey Fire Company's 110th annual carnival was canceled Tuesday because of inclement weather.
But even with good weather, maintaining the staple community event, which doubles as the volunteer fire company’s main fundraiser, has become more challenging, officials said.
The celebration is scheduled to continue at 6 p.m. daily through July 12 at Dimmick Park, 570 Durham St.
“Without the community’s support, we are at risk of not being able to host this event moving forward as the expenses take away from our funds used to maintain the firehouse and purchase the lifesaving equipment that serves Hellertown Borough and surrounding communities.”Dewey Fire Co. Annual Carnival Facebook Page, June 4
“We are in need of sponsors to help offset the cost of the spectacular, and very expensive, fireworks display as well as some of the food costs,” the company said in a June 4 Facebook post.
“Without the community’s support, we are at risk of not being able to host this event moving forward as the expenses take away from our funds used to maintain the firehouse and purchase the lifesaving equipment that serves Hellertown Borough and surrounding communities.”
Donations, volunteers requested
As of the Fourth of July, the Dewey volunteers had raised close to $10,000 for the fireworks show, according to Fire Capt. Matthew Simkovic.
He said the July 11 fireworks extravaganza is a go, but further help is always appreciated.
Per the fire company, donations can be sent by check using the following information:
ATTN: Carnival Committee
Dewey Fire Company 1
502 Durham St.
Hellertown 18055.
Please note carnival in the memo.
An online option to support the fireworks show also is available.
Contact the Dewey Fire Company Annual Carnival or official company Facebook pages, or fill out the contact form on the company website to volunteer throughout the year otherwise.
You don’t have to be a firefighter to help the company throughout the year, Simkovic said.
How to help
Simkovic said there’s still plenty of fun to go around, but a lack of volunteers has led to a cut in event programming, such as bingo.
And the carnival is in need of order takers and food runners, he said.
“In recent times, the carnival is our biggest fundraising activity that requires the most people power to pull off successfully,” Simkovic said.
“We have volunteers that take a week of vacation during this week to help prep food during the day and then work the carnival at night.”
As the years go by, volunteer numbers have dwindled while call volume and training requirements have increased for the firefighters.
“People can get involved and help by volunteering their time with our fundraising activities, help perform maintenance on our building and equipment, run fire prevention community events for us, et cetera."Dewey Fire Co. Capt. Matthew Simkovic
“It is becoming a lot when you are running emergency calls at all hours, holding a full-time job, taking care of the family, and then need to spend more time at the station trying to raise funds to keep the lights on or keep equipment in top shape for the next call,” Simkovic said.
“People can get involved and help by volunteering their time with our fundraising activities, help perform maintenance on our building and equipment, run fire prevention community events for us, et cetera.
“Every little bit like this helps keep our volunteer firefighters from burnout and doors open to serve the community.”
Simkovic said the carnival is a concrete example of the fire company’s slogan: “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Food provided at the event by the company will include hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches and more. Adult beverages will be available, too.
Admission into the carnival is free.
Scheduled to be available Tuesday through Thursday, wristbands for all-you-can-ride access to the attractions cost $30 or require individual ticket purchases.
