The Leechburg Carnival is returning after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.

The popular event raises money for the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department. It will be held from Aug. 2-7 at the fire company grounds located at 268 Canal Street.

The department is trying by August 2022 to raise the remaining $127,000 needed to buy a new fire engine. The new engine, expected to cost $377,000, will replace one of the current pumpers. The department has been raising money for a new engine for the past 10 years.

“Our current engines are 41 years old and need to be upgraded to comply with current standards,” said Brian Scott, president of the fire company.

The fire truck being replaced will be sold or donated to another fire company that is financially strapped.

Scott said the company approved the purchase in May and delivery of the pumper is expected next summer.

Brian Scott said the carnival has entertained people for more than 80 years. In recent years, it has brought in roughly $10,000 for the department.

Scott said community support is vital to the financial stability of the fire company.

“Our hope is to have a community event that families can enjoy with food, games and rides and community interaction, while at the same time providing needed funding for the fire company,” Scott said.

New this year are 15-minute photography sessions by local photographer Ashley Roofner. The sessions will cost $50 and include five edited images of up to six family members.

The rides and midway are presented by the Florida-based Tropical Amusements. A ride-all-night pass will be $18.

“We’re hoping to draw our town closer together to support the fire company,” said Leechburg resident Melissa Aller-Tantlinger, who will volunteer inside the fire hall managing the quarter bingo games. “We’d like to see attendance increase.”

Admission is free and an ATM will be onsite.

For more information, go to: leechburgco150.org.