Congers Fire Department Carnival Designed For Fun And Fundraising

For years George Wohl wanted the to host a , but by the time they did, Wohl wasn’t around anymore to see it.

Wohl, a 34-year veteran of the Congers Volunteer Fire Department, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, when he fell from a ladder at his house after receiving a fire dispatch.

Wohl was involved with the planning of that first carnival, which took place the year after he died. The carnival is now in its ninth year, and takes place June 28-July 1, and each year it’s dedicated to Wohl’s memory.

Phil Leto, 2nd assistant chief with the department and organizer of the carnival, said the carnival is always an exciting time for the department, and celebrating Wohl and his idea adds to the event.

The carnival is behind the Congers firehouse, located at 64 Lake Road, and costs $25 per person to get in. The money raised goes to the Congers Fire Department, and Leto said the department often makes donations to other organizations, especially non-profits.

“We have lots of rides, games, there’s food. We have a tent where the Congers fireman are selling t-shirts,” Leto said. “We also have fire prevention literature we will be handing out.”

There’s also a stage set up at the carnival.

“We have live entertainment,” Leto said. “We have a DJ Friday night and Saturday night, and Sunday night we have a live band. People come listen to good music, some people dance. It’s a really good time.”

Sunday night at around 9:45 p.m., they will also have a fireworks display, which Leto said can be seen from anywhere on Lake Road.

In addition to t-shirts, they will also have raffles, 50-50s and sell little toys for kids to play with at the carnival, like light-up toys they can run around with.

Leto said the firefighters are always on the grounds of the carnival as well.

“We’re always on the premises,” he said. “We do our own security and take care of the grounds with the help of Clarkstown Police, of course. But we really love love being at the carnival anyway. It’s always a fun time for the department.”

Walking past the firehouse this week, you can see the rides for the carnival ready to be set up.

The carnival opens Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. and stays open until about 11 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. and stays open until about 11 p.m.