Orange Volunteer Firemen's Carnival Begins Tonight

The annual Orange Firemen’s Carnival is scheduled for Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road.

The Carnival Committee has been working tirelessly for months to make this the best one ever.

The carnival opens Thursday, Aug. 4, at 5 p.m. and runs until 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight with fireworks at 10:30 p.m; Saturday, noon to midnight, with fireworks at 10:45 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m

Note that the Firemen are offering some different ride bracelet options this year.

Ride bracelets may be used during any of the following periods:

Thursday between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday matinee, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday evening, 5 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Pick up ride bracelets at the main raffle booth. Photo ID and signature are required at pickup.

Ride Specials are available at the carnival for $22 for unlimited rides, Saturday matinee, noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Family Fun Day, noon to 5 p.m.

Individual ride tickets are available at the ticket booth.

Entertainment

On Thursday, a disc jockey from Hot Roc Productions will provide music.

“The Taxmen” will play on Friday and “Freeplay” will entertain on Saturday.

Children’s Raffle

There also is a free raffle for children Saturday during the matinee, children 12 and younger can register at the main raffle booth to win free prizes.

Adult Raffle

This year your Patch Editor will be working in the Raffle Tent. Come by and say "Hi" and buy some raffle tickets for $5 each. Prizes are as follows:

First prize — Trip to St. Maarten Sonesta Maho Beach and Resort. 7 days, all-inclusive, including round trip air out of New York, taxes and transfers for two adults. (Based on availability at time of booking)

Second prize — Disney Caribbean Beach Resort. Seven nights with four day-hopper passes and round trip air out of Hartford, to Orlando, Fla., for two adults and two children under 9 years. (Based on availability at time of booking)

Third pize — Southern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Victory. Seven-day cruise with round-trip air out of New York, NY to San Juan, PR for two people in balcony category. (Based on availability at time of booking)

Fourth prize — San Francisco and Napa Valley Package, seven days with round trip air out of New York to Los Angeles, Calif., hotels and car for two. (Based on availability at time of booking)

Fifth pize —Deluxe Power Equipment package, Knight’s, Inc.

Sixth prize — $1,200 gift certificate from American Diamond Exchange.

Seventh prize — I-Pad Wi-Fi 16GB - Best Buy.

Eighth prize — HD 42” Panasonic Television, Best Buy

Ninth prize — Power Equipment Package Knight’s, Inc.

Tenth prize — $400 gift certificate to Foxwood Casino, 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket.

Eleventh prize — $300 fuel gift card redeemable at Shell, 380 Boston Post Road, Orange.

Twelfth prize — $200 gift card, Stop & Shop, Inc. 259 Bull Hill Lane, Orange.

Thirteenth prize — Tickets to new open at Yale Tennis Tournament, total $120.

Drawing to be held on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 4:30 p.m. at the Orange Fairgrounds.

Firemen's Games

There are three firemen's games from which the proceeds go directly to the fire department. They are: High Striker, Frog Bog and Dunk Tank. You can find them lined up side-by-side next to the Raffle Tent.

Hungry?

As always, the Firefighters and community volunteers will be serving up a variety of food throughout the weekend. Bring your appetite. The boys and girls offer lobster rolls, roast beef sandwiches, corn, pizza and a wide variety of carnival favorites.

Proceeds from the carnival go to the All-Volunteer Fire Association, saving property, lives and tax dollars in Orange every day.