Easton Fireman’s Carnival,

To August 4

EASTON — The 77th Annual Easton Fireman’s Carnival continues on Carnival Green, directly opposite the firehouse in Easton at 1 Center Road at Sport Hill Road (Route 59), until Saturday, August 4.

The grounds are open nightly from 6 to 11 pm, with rides provided by Stewart Amusements of Trumbull. Bingo and other games begin running at 6:30. Ample parking is available at and shuttle buses run continuously from Helen Keller Middle School (360 Sport Hill Road). Handicapped parking is offered at Silverman’s Farm, 451 Sport Hill Road.

Guests can purchase ride-all-night specials, or tickets for as many rides as they want. Carnival food is available, along with fresh baked goods including peach shortcake by Siren Aide, the women who support EVFC.

This year’s raffle is offering a red 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4.

The carnival is presented by and a fundraiser for Easton Volunteer Fire Co. #1. The carnival has been raising the funds needed to run the fire company for more than 75 years. Funds raised from previous carnivals also covered the costs of building Easton’s firehouse and the Carnival Green. The carnival is the primary fundraiser for the town’s volunteer fire company.

Home to nearly 7,500 residents, Easton is served by the mainly volunteer fire brigade. The fire company comprises 18 certified volunteer firefighters and eight career firefighters, led by Chief Jim Girardi. Volunteers must complete rigorous training in order to serve the community as firefighters. They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In 2011, the company responded to more than 425 incidents in Easton.

“Easton’s Volunteer Fire Company is a major asset to this community,” said Steve Waugh, carnival committee member and First Assistant Chief. “The volunteers are Easton residents who make a significant commitment to their neighbors. With many families opting for ‘staycations,’ the annual carnival is an excellent way for citizens of Easton, and surrounding towns, to have a lot of family fun while supporting the fire company.”