Event will run from Monday through Saturday
By:Nicole Taylor
The three Fs of summer – fireworks, food and fun – are on the agenda for next week’s Hillsborough Fireman’s Fair.
The annual event, sponsored by Hillsborough Fire Co. 2, promises a host of activities for everyone from adults to children all next week. The fair is held at the fire company’s base on Route 206.
"This’ll be our 20th year hosting the fair," said Phil Stoltz, coordinator of the fair. "It’s a family affair."
Admission to the fair, which runs Monday through Saturday, is free.
There is plenty to do at the fair, from rides and games, to all of the food that you could imagine, said Mr. Stoltz, who has been with the company for 35 years.
"We have 15 games and over 20 rides," he said. "We also have fireworks on Friday and Saturday."
The food will be set up under a tent, said Mr. Stoltz. The games include a dunk tank, a birthday wheel, two types of water games and a fire-truck ride.
Mr. Stoltz predicted many fair-goers would enjoy the popular racing game in which contestants spray water into a balloon that moves a horse or a rabbit toward the finish line, depending on how much water makes it into the balloon.
"Kiddie and adult rides" are another popular attraction for the fair, said Mr. Stoltz.
Tickets cost 80 cents each, and most rides require three to five tickets. The firefighters have a special discount available for ride-lovers.
"There is a pay-one-price promotion on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday," said Mr. Stoltz. "It costs $15 and you can ride all the rides from 6 to 11 p.m."
The firefighters expect the event to be a success.
"If we don’t have rain, it should be a good turnout," said Mr. Stoltz. "We usually get about 4,000 to 5,000 people throughout the night."
A party isn’t a party without some tunes, so the firefighters will provide a variety of music.
According to Mr. Stoltz, DJ John Mekita will manage the music Monday. Trader Phil, a band that plays rock music from the 1970s to today, is scheduled for Tuesday. Wednesday promises Yasger’s Farm, which plays tunes from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Country music is on the schedule for Thursday, with the Christopher Michaels Band.
Friday features The Mix, which plays music from the 1970s to today, and on Saturday Generation Mix will perform music from the 1990s.
Firefighters will work most of the stations at the fair, except for the operation of the rides, said Mr. Stoltz.
"They do the games, all the cooking, and man the ticket booth," he said. "Proceeds are for the maintenance and upkeep of the building."
He encouraged families to come to the fair and spend time together.
"It’s a good night out, a family night out," said Mr. Stoltz. "It’s a time to enjoy the food, the fun and the games."