Carnival 2023 has come and gone and the men and women of the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association couldn’t be more grateful to everyone for your hearty support. Once again our midway was overflowing with people having fun at one of our largest fundraising events. From enjoying the rides to lining up for some delicious carnival food to time spent in the entertainment tent rocking to the wonderful music, you made our carnival a raging success. Thank you! Unfortunately, due to the wildfires in Canada and degrading air quality, we lost our Wednesday night. Our decision wasn’t made lightly and without significant thought. The cancellation was unfortunate but absolutely necessary given the health concerns for our community and the number of outside contacts that had to be made. We appreciate your kind understanding.
We are keenly aware that along with the fun and excitement of the carnival coming to town comes the noise, parking difficulties and litter. We so very much appreciate your patience and understanding of our much needed fundraising efforts. The money raised is used to best maintain your 100% volunteer fire department. We’re proud to serve and we’re ready to go every minute of every day.
We live in an amazing community and we appreciate everyone that attended our carnival and made it fantastic. And, our thanks to the Village of Spencerport DPW for their hard work cleaning the village each day after the event while still doing their other day to day operations.
Sincerely and for the entire membership,
Stephen P. Cusenz, Secretary
Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Assoc. Board of Directors
Spectacular Carnival and Grand Parade leave attendees thrilled: A resounding success!
This past weekend, the Village of Spencerport in the Town of Ogden came alive with vibrant colors, infectious laughter, and the joyful sounds of music as the highly anticipated Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival took center stage.
The events proved to be an overwhelming success, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike who reveled in the festive atmosphere. The carnival kicked off on Thursday with the Grand Parade. Police cars, fire engines, tractors, performers and much more traversed through the village streets as enthusiastic spectators lined the path. There were colorful displays, sirens, music, candy and yes, even cheeseburgers. All leading to the thrilling display of amusement rides, exciting games, and mouthwatering food. The lively atmosphere at the carnival grounds was infectious and ran late into the night, all weekend long.
It was wonderful to see the entire community come together for such a spectacular, fun-filled event.The success of the carnival and parade would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of several essential departments. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association Carnival Committee, led by Association President Chris Damon. Not only did they plan and prepare an incredible event, but they also ensured the safety of each attendee amid unprecedented situations; namely, hazardous air quality brought on by forest fires in Canada.
Deciding to err on the side of caution and postpone Wednesday’s activities on the advice of the County Health Department was not an easy decision. That said, we are grateful that their decision put safety first. Luckily, the air quality improved, the skies cleared, and the rest of the show went on as scheduled. They were even able to reschedule the Kiddie Parade for Saturday.
The Ogden Police Department and Special Police Force also did a tremendous job maintaining a safe environment throughout each day of the carnival. Their assistance during the Grand Parade guaranteed the seamless flow of traffic and minimized disruptions for residents and visitors alike. Led by Ogden Police Chief Travis Gray, the planning and preparation for this event was second to none and its implementation led to there being minimal reports of disruptions. The Spencerport Fire Department, led by Chief Mitch Flagg, provided another crucial layer of safety during the carnival and parade. Their vigilance and expertise ensured that any potential risks were swiftly addressed, and the event proceeded smoothly without incident. The community owes them a debt of gratitude for their continuous efforts to keep us safe.
In addition to the strong presence of the police and fire departments, our own Ogden Highway Department played a pivotal role in the safety measures taken during the Grand Parade. After the horrific events during the Waukesha Christmas Parade, Ogden Highway Superintendent Dan Wolf implemented a new protocol. In coordination with the Village of Spencerport DPW, he made sure that all side streets leading to the main parade route were protected and blocked by highway vehicles. This additional layer of protection and foresight is vital during the town’s largest event.
As the carnival came to a close, attendees departed with smiles on their faces. The events served as a reminder of the positive spirit that defines our community, and they left us eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities.Thank you to everyone involved in making this weekend an extraordinary success. Together, we continue to build a stronger community, united in celebration and appreciation for the talents and efforts of all those who contribute to where we call home.
Mike Zale, Ogden Town Supervisor
