Spencerport Firemen's Carnival
volunteers make annual fundraiser a success

This year's event June 15-18

It is a tradition that dates back well over 60 years. The Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department's annual parade and carnival event begins Wednesday evening, June 15 with the Kiddie Parade, followed by the Grand Parade on Thursday and carnival rides, games and food booths through Saturday night, June 18.

While the vast majority of volunteers are part of the 109 firemen that make up the Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department, there are also several people who help simply because they want to give back to the community and the fire department. Dale Webster, lifelong Spencerport resident and employee of Bayford Construction in Spencerport, has been involved with the carnival for over 10 years. In years past, he has helped on Tuesday night with set up right through to Sunday tear down. He's not a member of the fire department and does not have any close family involved. Rather, he says he helps to give back.

"I hope I never have a need to use them, but I know if I did, no matter what the weather, the fire department would be there. This is my way of giving back to them," Webster said. He got involved with the carnival through a friend he remembers fondly, Bob Fowler, a volunteer fireman killed on his way to a fire call several years ago.

"They were short handed on parade night and I offered to help out," Webster said. Ten years later he's still helping out.

Linda Rauber, owner of Spencerport Insurance Agency, is another resident who has volunteered during carnival time. "I think our fire department is one of the best in the state. I don't think they get the recognition they deserve. They give every call as much as they can," Rauber said. This will be the first time in more than nine years that she won't be in the ticket booth at the refreshment stand. But she is still involved, and will be standing with her husband, Ted, and other members of the village board in the reviewing stand during Thursday's parade. "I commend all the volunteers, their families and friends who give us so much of their time to be a part of this program. It's a huge commitment," Rauber said.

The Kiddie Parade begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, June 15. This special parade is set aside for youth sports programs, scout troops, as well as any child who wishes to march. There will be 10 prizes awarded in a variety of categories.

The Grand Parade on Thursday evening includes fire departments from up to 100 miles away, as well as the Spencerport High School Marching Band and other bands. The Grand Marshal for this year's parade is Spencerport School Superintendent Phil Langton, who is retiring June 30. "Phil was instrumental in helping us get the school district people here to help with the carnival during the parade hours," said Aaron Baker, Spencerport Volunteer Fireman and carnival organizer.

As they have in the past, Powers Great American Midway will be bringing the rides and games of chance to Spencerport. New this year is a ride called "Zero Gravity." Another new addition to the carnival grounds will be a booth devoted to educating the public about the Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department.

The department answers more than 800 calls per year. Mike Reed, Spencerport Volunteer Fireman and ten year carnival organizer veteran, said that while the Spencerport Fire Department is one of the best manned in the state, leaders recognize the need to begin looking for more volunteers. "We've always been fortunate to not have a problem filling our needs with volunteers. Other fire departments aren't as lucky. However, our waiting list has been depleted. We're trying to be proactive and get young people interested before we need them," Reed said.

The firemen are particularly excited about one event that has become a tradition during the carnival - "Old Timers' Day" - which is held in the refreshment tent on Saturday afternoon. "Some of the retired volunteers come back and visit. These are inactive firemen, and this year, Ed McKinney, Sr., who hasn't been back in town for a carnival in 30 years, will be there. McKinney was one of the original founders of the fundraising activity that was once called Field Days.

DJ Piped Piper will spin tunes on Friday night from 8 p.m. to close. On Saturday, a live band, Hot House, will play from 8 to 11 p.m. There is no cover charge for either musical event.

Advanced tickets for rides are on sale now as well as the best deal, the Saturday afternoon, "all-you-can-ride" ticket, $15 or $12 with the coupon printed in the Suburban News. Tickets can be purchased at IGA, Pontillo's Pizza and at Spencerport Village Offices, 27 West Avenue, Spencerport.

Note: The Spencerport Firemen's Carnival site is located on the south side of the Erie Canal in Spencerport village, a short distance from the lift bridge.

Lineup for the Kiddie Parade is at the Veterans Memorial on Union Street in Spencerport, across from Fairfield Cemetery. The route will proceed through the village to the Firemen's Exempt grounds.

The Grand Parade begins on Lyell Avenue near the Spencerport school campus and proceeds thorough the village to the carnival grounds.