EASTON — Center Road was closed all day Monday as a crew from Stewart Amusements set up and tested rides and hauled food and game booths to the green for the 78th annual Easton Firemen's Carnival. The flurry of activity aimed to get things up and running for the debut on Tuesday night.
"Everyone is working and doing a million jobs," said Casey Meskers, president of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. "It's great teamwork. It's very hectic. There are some new games this year. The food tent is set up and ready to go."
Chief Steve Waugh is the Carnival chairman and Meskers is also taking on a big role in planning this year's event, which is the fire company's only fundraiser. Meskers said the proceeds help to run the department and pay for training and equipment.
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The carnival will be Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.
Though planning the carnival is a major undertaking, Meskers says he enjoys it.
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"It’s a fun time because we're all getting together," he said. "We have members we may not see as much during the year, but they all come together for the carnivals. It's nice."
Meskers also expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who work in the food tents.
One familiar face will be missing among all of the volunteers this week. Firefighter Russell Neary, who used to man the ticket booth, lost his life responding to a call during Hurricane Sandy last year.
"We miss Russell Neary," Meskers said. "This is our first year without Russ. He was a great friend — the first one to volunteer for something. He was the face of the raffle. We're really going to miss him this year, so it's tough as well."
Meskers said two large photos of Neary in his uniform will be on display in the tent for the ticket booth.
"He always worked at the ticket booth," Meskers said. "Russ knew everybody. He had so many friends. He was a great guy to have at the booth. People were always coming to see him. He would sell a lot of tickets."
Bingo Rain or Shine
In the past, when rain shutdown the rides it also closed the Bingo games. But Meskers said it would take a torrential rain to stop Bingo this year. There will be a larger tent and Meskers said only dangerous conditions such as lightning will cut the games short.
For weather updates, cancelations and other carnival information, visit the Easton Firemen's Carnival's Facebook page.
Children have told town firefighters how much they anticipate the carnival all year long, according to Meskers, who says it has become quite a tradition in Easton.
"There's a lot of history," he said. "It's a great small town carnival. It creates a lot of memories for families. We just look forward to seeing everyone and we're excited for another great carnival this year."
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