By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The 62nd annual Fireman’s Fair kicked off Monday evening with a new feature, Bike Night, where people were invited to come and show off their bikes, which were lined up outside the event entrance for all to see.

While this year’s Bike Night was held just for fun, St. Johnsville Fire Department Chief Tom Malley noted that it might be expanded upon next year, to possibly include prize giveaways, as the department was very satisfied with the turnout.

The fair is annually a huge deal for St. Johnsville. Wandering around the park, you’ll see people from every corner of the community, including 15-20 of St. Johnsville’s fireman, who are on scene every afternoon and evening cooking, running games, and volunteering their time.

Malley noted, “There are also a handful of fireman from other departments that come and help out,” including fireman from Fort Plain and Canajoharie on Monday evening.

Of the money raised by the fire department during the annual week-long event, Malley stated, “There’s a lot of stuff we wouldn’t be able to do without the money from this.” He explained that the money raised at the fair supplements the village budget, helping the fireman pay for a truck they bought themselves, also covering numerous bills at the firehouse, including cable and internet. Malley also said that if there is a large incident — a huge fire or a dive call — for instance, the money will purchase meals for the firefighters.

The biggest part of planning each year, said Malley, is deciding which games to put out, and which ones to phase out for a while. This year, there are numerous games available that the fire department hasn’t put out for years. Another big part of planning is to make sure that food is lined up, and also deciding which new item to introduce at the food booth.

Last year’s successful wristband night has been expanded. It will now take place on Thursday evening, and on Saturday afternoon, from 2-6 p.m. A wristband will entitle its owner to as many rides as they desire.

On Friday and Saturday, American Fireworks will shoot off an impressive display — Saturday’s fireworks will be almost double the size of Friday’s — from behind the waste water treatment facility, perfectly viewable over Soldiers and Sailors park. Friday and Saturday fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

On Thursday and Friday, the midway will open at 7 p.m. Food will be available for lunch every day, from 11-1 p.m, and again for dinner at 5 p.m.. On Saturday, the midway will open at 2 p.m. and food will be served all day.

Said Malley in closing, noting that the fair is a family friendly event, with free admission, low prices and no alcohol, “we’re grateful for people who continue to support us. Anybody that hasn’t been here, we welcome them to come down and check it out.”

“For the small area it is, we try to give them the best show we can.”

More images in the Seen section.