Dover fire department hosts ninth annual carnival

DOVER — On Saturday, July 18, the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company of Dover Plains hosted its annual parade, which took place before the final night of the carnival. 

Twenty fire companies, New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriffs, VFWs, American Legions and bands all took part in the parade.  Old-fashioned cars also rolled through the streets, throwing out candy to those watching. 

“It’s a fundraiser for the firehouse and the community,” said Phil Race, president of the Dover fire department. “We raise money for soccer teams, Little League teams and cancer charity funds and buy equipment for the firehouse.”

The fire department closed Old State Route 22 in Dover to the northern entrance of Tinker Town Road to clear way for the parade. 

“It was nice to see all the kids come out and attend the parade,” said parade-goer Philip Loverro. “I enjoyed watching them retrieve the candy that was thrown from the cars.” 

“The parade was pretty good this year,” said volunteer fireman Tom Marston. “I’m glad we were able to have it, and the rain held out.”

Marston has volunteered with the fire department for a year-and-a-half so far. Throughout the carnival, he has contributed his time to the dunk tank.

“Being in the dunk tank is my favorite part of the carnival,” said Marston. “It’s a fun way to talk back to the community.”

After the parade, all the attendees relocated from the sidewalks of Route 22 onto the grass of Dover Elementary School to continue their night at the carnival. There were plenty of games, rides and foods for all ages to enjoy.

Children were interested in games like Short Shot, Fastball, Cork Gun Fun, Minion Darts, Ladder Climbs, Bust a Ballon and Water Gun Fun. The parents and adults particularly enjoyed the money-winning games such as Bingo and Avalanche. 

The carnival had several rides that spun in a circular motion such as the Swinger, Remix, Dizzy Dragons and the Sizzler. For those who were looking for something a little more calm, there was the Fun Slide and a carousel.  There was also a roller coaster-like ride that was called Haunted House, which used a bunch of spooky pop-up figures to scare children.  Lastly, there was the Ferris wheel that lit up the sky with its arrangement of colored lights.

“The Ferris wheel is my favorite part of the carnival,” said Loverro. “There’s a great view once you get to the top of it. It shows how beautiful Dover really is.” 

Other activities at the fair included face painting and fish pong.

Fried dough, French fries, pizza, sausage and peppers, hot dogs, hamburgers, dipped apples, popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy were available to satisfy any empty stomachs. 

Beer and soda were also available for purchase. 

The carnival ended its stay in Dover by putting on a display of fireworks. The local community gathered to watch the array of colors brighten the night sky as a finale to their Saturday.