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2013 Firemen's Fair SECTIONS: | Today's Fair | History | Help Us! | Fair Gallery Today's
Firemen's Fair The firehouse grounds are transformed into blazing lights, sounds and activities, including rides like the Zipper, Rainbow, Wipeout, and a large ferris wheel. There's also a merry-go-round, train and other rides tailored for the smaller folks. But for the future firefighters, there's nothing like a ride on a real fire truck! Children are safely seated on one of Fair Haven's first-line pumpers and taken on a ride around several blocks in Fair Haven. No child forgets the thrill of a ride with the siren blaring and the engine roaring! View Larger Map Food is one of the main attractions, with a sit-down dining room featuring local seafood specialties and an "Out-Back" kitchen that serves hamburgers, hotdogs, cotton candy and ice cream. In addition to being the Fire Company's main fund-raising event, the Fair serves as an "end-of-summer" event for members of the Fire Company and other volunteers who pitch in to work at over 30 booths and in other activities. History
of the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair In 1954, new state gaming laws put an end to the games of chance, thus ending the "old Fairs." In an effort to raise funds without the benefits of the Fair, the Fire Company turned to weekly bingo games at the Firehouse, along with door-to-door collections. In early 1960, state gaming laws changed once again, providing an opportunity for the Fire Company to renew its Fair. Having stored all of the gaming equipment over the years, the firemen were ready to go and the Fair was reborn.
Outback Requirements: Dining Area Requirements Game Booth Requirements As the Firemen's Fair is our annual fund drive for the fire department,
Fair Haven Fire Department does not hire/use outside entertainment, outside promotions Richard Brister, Chairman of Personnel rbrister@fhfd.org |
The annual Fair Haven Fire Company Firemen's Fair is the largest
firemen's fair in New Jersey and is the second largest fair of any
kind in the state. Today's Fair is an exciting family activity that
attracts people of all ages from throughout
New Jersey.
The Fair Haven Fire Company has produced Firemen's Fairs for most
of its 100-plus year history, except during the years of the World
Wars. The first Fairs, starting in 1906, were more like carnivals
than the Fair as we know it now. In the days of the "old Fairs"
the events were usually held on the first week of August on a small
lot on River Road that is now the site of the Fair Haven Municipal
Building. Wire-walkers and chances on two autos were among the attractions,
in addition to the usual booths with spinning wheels of chance.
The highlight of the evening was the chance to swing on the dance
floor with your partner to the tunes of a live band -- for the sum
of 10-cents a dance! In 1936 a Chrysler Royal Sedan was raffled
at a cost of 3 shares for 25-cents. 
For many years, a key draw
to the Fair was the raffle of a new automobile. During the summer
months proceeding the Fair, the car would be prominently displayed
at the front of the Firehouse. The excitement of the final Saturday
evening of the Fair culminated with the drawing of the winning raffle
ticket. But, like all other changes, automobiles became less attractive
to families who increasingly owned multiple vehicles, including
top-of-the line SUVs. So, the Fair Company discontinued the automobile
raffle in the late 1990's and replaced the event with a "Super
50-50" event in which the winner walks away with 10s of thousands
of dollars -- free to spend on a car or anything else of interest.
This event has proved to be very popular and will be continued until
cash prizes are no long of interest (whenever that might be). |
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Copyright 2013 |