2017 Annual Millbrook Fireman’s Parade and Carnival successful, fun

MILLBROOK — Saturday, July 8, was the last night of the annual Fireman’s Carnival and the night of its parade — the biggest in Dutchess County. In spite of rain nearby, Millbrook stayed dry and the parade, with more than 20 different fire companies participating, took place at 6 p.m. The parade route took fire companies, police officers and marching bands up Franklin Avenue, ending at the Thorne Building and the site of the carnival. 

Bands and bagpipes could be heard up and down the avenue, and one hook and ladder company threw candy to the children as it drove by.

Towns and villages represented included Pine Plains, Amenia, Millerton, Dover, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck and Hudson. The crowd was jubilant, and the marchers were blessed with dry weather and moderate temperatures. 

Immediately following the parade, many hurried to the carnival site, with its flashing lights, the sound of mechanical rides and the tantalizing smell of carnival food.

There was something for everyone — young and old: music, bingo, beer and soft drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers and plates piled high with French fries, cheese and ketchup. 

For some, this was their first time attending, but for many, this is an annual event that they look forward to and plan on attending each year. Some attend on the last night only, to enjoy the parade and the carnival together, but for some, they attend the carnival each night, leading up to the excitement of the parade.

The carnival this year had live music on Wednesday and Friday nights under a tent where food and drinks were available, through the Millbrook Fireman’s Auxiliary. Chairs were set up there, and it was a great place to hear the carnival noises while relaxing with a cool drink. Thursday was special, with karaoke for the children. On Saturday, there was karaoke for the adults from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The rides varied, and all ages could enjoy them. The Dragon Coaster was especially popular, but there were rides that went up and down, rides that had dips and turns and laughter and screams could be heard throughout. Another favorite was the sack slide, where one could sit on a burlap sack and slide down an enormous slide. There were also games, bean bag tosses, shooting ranges and ring tosses. Little children clutched smaller toys won, while parents toted the larger prizes.

The carnival and parade are the highlight of the summer for many, and the main event for the Millbrook fire department. They also bring many visitors from out of town, more each year it would seem, acquainting them with all of the attributes that make the village of Millbrook unique.