93rd annual Ferndale Firemen's Jubilee begins Monday

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A community event is gearing up to offer summer fun to people of all ages.

The 93rd annual Ferndale Firemen’s Jubilee will be held from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Monday through July 19 and from 4 to 11 p.m. July 20 at the festival grounds on Ferndale Avenue.

“It’s tradition. You don’t run an event for 93 years and not have tradition involved,” said Ralph Boyle, treasurer of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Association and festival co-chairman.

“It supports the local community. We donate money back to the borough for fire protection, so we’re making sure we’re doing our part as an organization to help out the borough and borough residents.”

Bartlebaugh Amusements will provide rides, games and concession stands with carnival fare.

“There will be 12 to 15 rides,” Boyle said.

“We have a great partnership with them. It’s a family-owned business and fits in with what we expect at our jubilee. We tout it as a family-oriented event, and they are a big part of it.”

A fireworks show by Pyrotechnic Artists will light up the night sky at 10:15 p.m. July 20.

“It’s a great show to close out the jubilee,” Boyle said.

“Where they are set off across from the grounds, everybody can see them.”

The kitchen will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through July 19 and from 3 to 11 p.m. July 20.

Attendees can enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, kielbasa, hot sausage, haluski, chicken tenders and french fries.

“We keep the same menu and people look forward to it each year,” Boyle said.

There will be a week-long electric bicycle raffle and backyard summer raffle with Kabuki gift certificate. The winners will be drawn at the conclusion of the fireworks show. The winners do not need to be present.

“We decided to do a different spin on our raffles this year to change it up,” Boyle said.

In addition, there will be limited games of chance.

“We hope people will come out and have a good time,” Boyle said.

One-price ride bracelets will be $16 each night.

Rides and games will open two hours early July 20 for $16.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the jubilee can call 814-322-5347, 814-525-4011 or 814-288-3729.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Ferndale-Volunteer-Fire-Association.