BY BROOKE WILLIAMS

The wait is nearly over for Triton Hose Company’s annual carnival, which runs from Tuesday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 3. The carnival begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at noon on Saturday.

Once again, Triton has chosen Nonweiler Amusements to supply carnival rides for all ages, including a Ferris wheel, large slide and spinning rides. Specifically for children, the carnival this year offers a fire truck ride and train, and attendees can win prizes through a variety of carnival games.

Inside the fire hall, people can play bingo at 25 cents per card from 7 to 9 p.m. each night.

Those looking forward to carnival food staples can find them at Triton as well.

“Our biggies are chicken wings, pizza and steamed clams,” said Dave Winski, chairman of the carnival and treasurer for the hose company. He noted that hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, potato pancakes and more can also be purchased at the food stands.

For dessert, carnival goers can head to the stands for funnel cakes, ice cream and fried dough, and attendees who are age 21 and over can enjoy alcoholic beverages in a designated area.

Special events are also planned throughout the week of the carnival, beginning with a fireman’s parade on Thursday at 7 p.m. Featuring marching bands and units, as well as fire vehicles, the parade begins at Tioga and Franklin streets before travelling down Tioga Street and turning left onto Pine Street.

The Jack Daniels Mile Run is planned one minute before the parade steps off.

An $8 wristband allows unlimited access to rides from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, but rides are closed from 4 to 6 p.m.

Antique and classic car enthusiasts can also enjoy a display on Saturday afternoon in the Tunkhannock Area High School parking lot. Registration opens at 3 p.m. with entries on display beginning at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., judges will choose the winners before the vehicles embark on the fireman’s parade route from Thursday.

The “Geezer Gallop” one-mile run for people ages 50 and over takes place before the antique and classic car parade, and later that day at 10 p.m. is a five-item raffle drawing.

Triton plans to host live entertainment each night of the carnival, including Third Degree on Tuesday, Mace in Dixon on Wednesday, Flaxy Morgan on Thursday, Infinity on Friday and Popstar Drive on Saturday.

For more information, visit tritonhoseco.com.