Cambridge Springs Fireman's Carnival is on

(courtesy Cambridge Springs VFD)

Anyone who's spent some time out that way knows that Cambridge Springs has a true-blue small town vibe through and through: The sidewalks fronting big, old homes are full of playing kids, the awesomely pre-safety craze playground is full of metal gear, and the local volunteer fire department is a full-on institution.

And one of the main ways the community's supported that institution for the past six-and-a-half decades -- true to the town's old-timey form -- has been through gettin' down at the annual Cambridge Springs Fireman's Carnival, which is happening now through Saturday at the carnival grounds off Grant Street in the borough.

If you're into carnival-type atmospheres (and supporting local volunteer firefighting efforts), it's worth checking out. There's all the usual stuff -- rides, games, grub, music -- that you'd expect to find, but there's also a uniqueness that comes through in singular events like the carnival's pet (and bike, and people) parades, firemen's water battles, and local band performances.

"It's our major [annual] fundraiser," says Lee Manross, a lifelong Cambridge Springs resident and a nearly 40-year member of CSVFD. "People look forward to it every year. It's a community thing."

Plus, Cambridge Springs is celebrating its sesquicentennial at the same time, so history and tradition really are alive and well, and all over that little town just south of the Erie County line right now.

For daily event schedules and to find out more about the 64th annual Cambridge Springs Fireman's Carnival, call CSVFD's non-emergency line at 398-2259.

When he's not bumping lines at the Ride-a-Rama, Ryan Smith can be reached at rsmith@eriereader.com, and you can follow him on Twitter @ryanmsmithplens.