North Canaan carnival ushers in the summer season

NORTH CANAAN — Carnival rides began appearing in Lawrence Field early last week as preparations got underway for the annual Canaan Fire Company Carnival, June 18 to 21.

The carnival opened on a rainy Wednesday night, but the weather didn’t deter a small but significant contingent of children who bought their bracelets and braved the rides. Though the giant slide looked more like a water slide and the Scrambler spun water at bystanders, the carnival went on.

The parade Saturday night brought fire companies — and their many trucks — from across the state. Torringford fire department won Best Appearing Fire Unit, Norfolk won Best Apparatus in State and Sheffield won Best Apparatus Out of State. The Salisbury Band won Best Appearing Musical Unit.

Raffle prizes went to Colleen Foley ($2,000), Jim Tallon ($1,000), Craig Whiting ($500 gift card to C.A. Lindell), V. and C. Tortora ($250 gift card to Stop & Shop) and Steve Segalla ($100 gift card to Mobil).

“We appreciate the members of the community who volunteer their time to help us staff the event,� said Steve Kroehler, carnival chairperson. “And I’d like to thank the North Canaan Ambulance Squad, who are quick to donate their time each year. The carnival is the largest fundraising event the fire company holds annually. Everyone who supported the carnival is actually donating directly to the operating budget of the fire company, paying for diesel fuel, training, new equipment and electricity.�

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