Alana Peters, 7, holds a hanful of foam following the annual Fireman’s Parade Thursday evening, June 28 at the Saxonburg Carnival. The parade wrapped up with foam fun for children. Submitted Photo

The traditional Fireman’s Parade rolled into Saxonburg Thursday evening, June 27, as the 93rd annual event was viewed by a large crowd.

Spectators aligned the sidewalks along West Main Street in addition to West Water Street, enjoying beautiful weather and fire trucks galore from varying departments. Fire departments from Herman, Sarver, Saxonburg, Buffalo township and others were part of the festivities.

There were several businesses and many more participants in the parade as well. Some threw candy, and — in one case — beef jerky sticks to anxious spectators.

Longtime business owners Jack and Kay Matus, of Carpentry C. Matus Co-Millwork, have been enjoying this event for the past 24 years.

Jack Matus was a member of the Air Force and a fireman in the past, so this parade is meaningful to him.

“A lot of effort goes into being a fireman,” he said.

According to Jack Matus, this parade was referred to as “the biggest Fireman’s Parade East of the Mississippi.”

He does, however, “miss the bands” included in parades of previous years.

Other residents who came out to enjoy the parade included Annette Gervais, owner of Hotel Saxonburg. She and Lee Uncapher purchased the establishment last August.

Thursday marked her first time at the Fireman’s parade. She worked to “draw kids as well as adults to her booth.” There was a desire by Gervais to appeal to all ages as she offered items such as water, gummies for the kids and drinks for the adults.

Other highlights of the parade included an appearance by the Dairy Queen Mascot while VHC Construction hauled coolers with Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen. The sweet treats were distributed to adults and kid spectators alike for free. The Knoch cheerleaders entertained the crowd with spirited cheers as floats passed by.

The parade wrapped up with delightful faces as children were blasted with a bubble blower through the air, leaving the sidewalks and even a tree or two with a layer of bubbles for children to play amidst.

“This parade is great for the kids,” Jack Matus said.

The parade was part of an annual week-long carnival in Saxonburg. Carnival rides consist of 12 choices offered for people of all ages, and the fun games and food selections. The carnival goes until Saturday, June 29. and closes at 11 p.m. every evening.

According to the Saxonburg Fire Department page, there is no gate fee to get into the carnival this year.