South Salem Fire Department gears up for annual parade and carnival

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - The South Salem Fire Department will once again welcome the community for one of the town's most anticipated summer traditions when its annual parade and carnival returns for four nights of family fun beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The festivities kick off with the department's annual firemen's parade at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The parade will begin at Spring Street and Route 35, in front of the New York State Police barracks, and proceed along Route 35 to the South Salem Fire Department headquarters. The parade is expected to last about 45 minutes.

The carnival opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will feature rides, games, food, music and entertainment for all ages. Additional carnival hours are Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 8, from 5 to 10 p.m.

Motorists should expect traffic delays and road closures during Wednesday's parade. Route 35 will be closed between Boutonville Road and Spring Street South while the parade is underway, with detour signs directing traffic around the closure.

Eastbound traffic will be detoured via Spring Street South, Route 124, Sabathday Hill Road, Pine Hill Drive and Boutonville Road. Westbound traffic will follow the reverse route using Boutonville Road, Pine Hill Drive, Sabathday Hill Road, Route 124 and Spring Street South.

Fire department officials are encouraging attendees planning to park at the firehouse to arrive no later than 6 p.m., as a large turnout is expected. If the firehouse parking lot reaches capacity, a continuous shuttle service will operate from the Town Park. Once the parade begins, vehicle access to the firehouse will not be available until the parade concludes.

The South Salem Fire Department said it looks forward to continuing the community tradition and welcoming residents and visitors for four evenings of fun while supporting the department's volunteers.