Annual carnival helps keep Hope Hose firehouse running

Hope Hose Humane Co. #1 is establishing a new summertime tradition in Bordentown. For the second year, the volunteer firefighter and EMT company is set to host a carnival. The Hope Hose carnival is scheduled for Aug. 20-23 on the grounds next to Retro Fitness on Route 206. Games, kids’ activities and food stands are set to open at 5 p.m.; rides open 6:30 p.m. After taking over the carnival in 2013 — the previous year Hope Hose only provided lighting for the carnival — fire company volunteers are focusing on spreading the word about the fundraising event. Hope Hose firefighter and EMS captain Richard Mercantini said he hopes this year’s carnival has a family-friendly appeal. “We’re trying to give the community a chance to have something to do to have family time together,” Mercantini said. In an effort to make things family oriented, event organizers hired Wizard’s Festival of Fun, a small carnival company based in Blackwood. Mercantini said Wizard’s offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for children. Family Night featuring “all-you-can-ride” tickets for $20 is set for Aug. 21. Once kids have had their fill of carnival rides, they can try their hands at arts and crafts or grab a snack from the food court. In addition to family fun, event organizers are booking live entertainment. Mercantini says bands are lined up to perform during the weekend. Black Brandt, a classic rock band from New Egypt, is scheduled to play Friday night. While Hope Hose aims to provide a memorable family experience, the carnival has another goal: raising money for the firehouse. Mercantini said last year’s carnival raised about $10,000 for the fire company. Proceeds from the event help keep the firehouse running; the volunteers use the funds for equipment and building repairs. More information is online at facebook.com/hopehosehumaneco1.