LIBERTY, NY — The Liberty Fire Department is celebrating 145 years of volunteer service to the community, with festivities culminating in the 87th annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association (SCVFA) Parade on Saturday, August 1. The parade features fire departments from all over Sullivan County, and different towns take turns hosting it each year. This year, it’s Liberty’s turn.

There will be a carnival on the ball field at the Liberty Elementary School, directly behind the police station, open from Wednesday, July 29 through Saturday, August 1. It will open at 6 p.m. weekdays and at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, July 31, there will be a Mardi Gras-style parade followed by bed races down Main Street. The action then shifts to the carnival midway for awards, trophies and DJ entertainment.

The 87th annual SCVFA Parade will kick off on Saturday, August 1, at 2 p.m. on Main Street. The public is invited to come and show its appreciation for hundreds of firefighters and emergency service personnel.

Immediately following the parade there will be a “People’s Choice” battle of the bands competition. So, if there was one band that you really enjoyed as they marched by, make sure you get to the stage on the carnival midway to cheer them on. Raffles, souvenirs, food, drinks, entertainment and carnival rides will be available as you await the presentation of trophies at 7 p.m. A fundraiser raffle will also be drawn at this time. (Winner need not be present to win; to purchase raffle tickets ask any Liberty Fire Department member or stop at the Beer Warehouse, 190 Mill St.) DJ entertainment will continue thereafter, with a fireworks show at approximately 10 p.m.

It promises to be not only good old-fashioned small-town country entertainment, but also a great way to honor those members of our communities, most of them volunteers, who serve us all selflessly year round.