The Hamlin Fire Department had its very first carnival in September of 1914. Since then, this event has been one of our largest yearly fundraisers, and planning begins as soon as one ends. The money made during fundraising goes towards our annual operating expenses as well as the expenses of other local groups and businesses. Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District taxes do not supply the Hamlin Fire Department money. We have been tirelessly watching the news, listening to experts, and reading updates on Covid-19, hoping that we could still hold our carnival and allow an escape from the quarantine lifestyle.
The safety of patrons is a great concern to us as we are here to help in your time of need, not be the source of an illness. The cleaning of rides, buildings, and cooking of food would have been a monumental task, but we were prepared to tackle it. The ride operating company has advised us that they cannot come to town and have laid off most of their staff.
With the recent announcement from Governor Cuomo canceling The Great New York State Fair, the Board of Directors for the Hamlin Fire Department has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Hamlin Fireman’s Carnival. Over the years, the food, rides, and entertainment have changed. This year due to an unprecedented and unforeseen factor beyond our control, the weekend of August 20, 21, and 22 will be silent. There will be no lights from rides, no melodic music, no mouth-watering fried dough. The parade route lined with smiling faces, full of your proud local volunteers and shiny fire trucks, will be normal traffic.
But just as we continue to climb on the fire trucks and respond when you need us, we will work on plans for next year to provide a great event for our outstanding townspeople.
We cannot thank you enough for all the support you have provided us in the past with the carnival and our other fundraisers. It is because of you that we can do what we do. If you can find it in your abilities to help us financially, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our website, hamlinfire.com, by clicking on the donate button, or by mailing it to Hamlin Fire Department, P.O. Box 12, Hamlin, NY 14464.
Hamlin Fire Board of Directors
