PAWLING – The Pawling Fire Department opened its annual carnival on August 3rd at Lakeside Park and it will continue through Saturday, August 6, culminating with a firework show beginning at dusk on Saturday.
On Friday evening, several neighboring fire departments from Dutchess and Putnam counties as well as Connecticut joined with Pawling’s volunteer fire department for a parade from town hall to the carnival at Lakeside Park to the delight of many.
The parade was emceed by Acting Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati. For many years, Imperati’s predecessor, the late Sheriff Butch Anderson controlled the microphone for the parade in his hometown. “I am very humbled with this opportunity,” Imperati said. “Butch loved this parade and carnival and looked forward to it every year. I am honored to carry on the tradition.”
“We are the only fire department in Dutchess County that is holding a carnival and a parade in the county this year,” said Pawling Fire Chief Everett White. “Our carnival brings the community together for affordable fun and gives our fellow firefighters a chance to join together for a parade, while also helping the department raise funds that we use to continue operating this dedicated department.
Firefighters from 11 departments, wearing their dress uniforms, battled the heat and excessive humidity to the delight of attendees lining the route.
When the parade was completed, the judges determined that the Union Vale Fire Department was worthy of the trophy for “Best Overall” and took the big trophy. The JH Ketcham Fire Department from Dover, led by Captain Dan Schultz, took the trophy for “Best Regulation,” according to the judges.
“I look forward to this carnival every year,” said Donna Glover from nearby Danbury, Connecticut. “Our family really enjoys the parade and we usually come back the next to day for the rides and fireworks. It’s a really fun event.”
