JESSUP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A longtime Memorial Day tradition kicked off in Lackawanna County this evening. Jessup Hose Company Number Two is hosting its annual carnival as part of the festivities leading up to Saint Ubaldo Day.
28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape was there for the festivities to see how carnival fans are feeling about the big weekend.
The 33rd Annual Carnival in Jessup got off to a rainy start, but the spirit of the tradition was plain to see.
From rides and carnival games to fried food and a beer tent, the carnival had something for everyone to enjoy.
"It's fun either way if it's raining or not," Scranton resident Gabriella Kehl said.
"It's so much fun being out here and hanging with the boys," Chase Jordan from North Pocono told 28/22 News.
"From being younger myself and as an adult now bringing my kids, it's a lot of fun and it brings back a lot of fond memories," Jessup resident Jamie Hindman stated.
The carnival is held each year around Memorial Day, hosted by Jessup Hose Company Number Two.
Second Assistant Chief and co-chairman of the carnival, Joe Kozuch, says the event makes up a whopping 40% of the fire company's annual funding.
"Because of this carnival, we've been able to do major improvements. One of the things we improved last year was our rescue tools for vehicle rescues," Kozuch told 28/22 News.
The tools they replaced were from the 90s. He said they are soon hoping to replace one of its firetrucks, also from the 90s.
6K flags to be planted in Scranton to honor fallen
But this carnival is more than just a fundraiser, it's a staple of the community and a precursor to Saint Ubaldo Day, a more than 100-year tradition honoring the town's Italian heritage.
For Hindman, it's a chance to introduce her kids to a childhood tradition.
"We just moved back to the area after being away for a while, so I wanted to take Ella and Matthew to the carnival to see what it's all about and to support the fire company," Hindman added.
While every Ubaldo Day is special in Jessup, for Hindman and her daughter, there's an extra level of significance.
"It's Ella's first Ubaldo, and so, really excited for that," Hindman explained.
The carnival will be held through Memorial Day.
