76th Annual Fireman’s Carnival kicks off in Covington Township

COVINGTON TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It’s a reality that hundreds of volunteer fire departments face every year: How to keep the lights on and the life-saving equipment updated.

One critical fundraiser is the annual carnival and a Lackawanna County fire department knows exactly how important it is.

Carnival games, a car show, and a sense of community brought people out to the Covington Independent Fire Company ‘s biggest fundraiser of the year.

“This is by far our biggest fundraiser of the year. This keeps the doors open,” said Covington Independent Fire Company Chief Brad Jones.

Over a dozen food options and fun activities line the grounds of the Covington Fireman’s Picnic.

Entering its 76th year, the annual event helps provide crucial funds to keep the all-volunteer department running.

“I don’t think people understand the cost of what it takes to do what we do now. And we try to provide the best service that we can with the best equipment and the best manpower that are trained and it all costs money. So it’s events like these that allow us to do that,” Chief Jones explained.

With games rides food and more, the picnic has a little something for everyone.

“We’re actually going on all of the rides we can to see if we can do all of them,” said Jefferson Township resident Elle Coalson.

“We’re gonna go on every ride with these bands,” said Austin Coalson from Jefferson Township.

Community members say coming out to the picnic is a small sign of appreciation, for the big things first responders do.

“The local fire departments especially the volunteers, they really do a lot for their community, they go out and they try to help with whatever they can, whoever they can whatever means necessary. If we can come out and support them this way and come here and have a good time we’re glad to do it,” said Scranton resident Jolene Hanley.

The Fireman’s Picnic runs through Saturday.

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