The carnival’s almost a prelude to one of the biggest events of the year in Jessup, the Race of the Saints on St. Ubaldo Day.

JESSUP, Pa. — It’s year 34 for the annual Jessup Hose Company No. 2 Carnival, a yearly tradition for many in the community.

A tradition that’s being passed down from one generation to another.

“It’s weird now, but like I was young enough to come here with parents watching me, and now I bring Gracie comes and has a good time,” said Brandon Walsh from Scranton. “It’s awesome, it’s nostalgic, it’s exciting to be able to see her enjoy it as well.” 

But this isn’t just a regular carnival; it’s also the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Jessup Hose Company No. 2 Carnival. And it’s all hands on deck in the kitchen as volunteers try to raise as much money as they can. 

“Right now, we’re in the process of buying a $1.3 million truck, so a large portion of this is going back to help us fund this new purchase as well,” said Cpt. Bobby Berta Jr. of the Jessup Hose Company No. 2. “So, it’s all going back into help serve the community, and better serves ourselves to help our neighboring communities and the other communities as well.”



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A cause, some say, is an added bonus to the fun of the carnival.

“My dad was actually a firefighter for Scranton for the longest time, so I have a special love for firefighters. So, anything that’ll help them get, especially to get equipment funds for whatever they need, extra training, I’m all about it, take all of my money,” said Mackenzie Lucas of Peckville.

The carnival is also always a prelude to the larger event in Jessup every year: the Race of the Saints on St. Ubaldo Day. 

Because the carnival overlaps with the St. Ubaldo festivities on Saturday, some folks say it can be hectic, especially when you have smaller kids.

“It’s nice to come Wednesday, Thursday, like this, a little smaller crowd,” said Ian Hoyle of Peckville. “But the festival’s great, we’ve been there before, it’s a fun time, it’s really cool to see if you’ve never been there, I recommend going, but we probably won’t.”

With the exception of thunderstorms, the Jessup Hose Company No. 2 Carnival runs through Sunday, rain or shine.