SOUTHWICK — He’s not sure just how it’s going to play out over the next several months, but Southwick Civic Fund President Joseph Deedy said Monday the organization is planning to do “something” this summer.
“We are definitely doing something this year,” Deedy said Monday night in the fellowship hall of the former Methodist church that now serves as a meeting place for the nonprofit’s volunteers.
Those volunteers, over 15 of them representing the Police and Fire Departments, town businesses large and small, several other civic organizations and municipal government, gathered at the hall to brainstorm on ideas to bring back what for decades was known as the Southwick Fireman’s Carnival that included a dazzling fireworks show and was usually held in mid-July.
As Deedy opened the floor to suggestions, he said the fireworks show would almost certainly happen, but he wanted to know if there was support for a larger event to coincide with the show, like bringing back the carnival with 13 rides.
There was immediate support for the idea, but also some hesitation.
The Connecticut company that provided amusement rides for years during the carnival is interested but requires the event to run over three days to give it a reasonable chance for it and the SCF to generate money.
Like all the suggestions made during the meeting, nothing was finalized.
Deedy, however, did make it clear that while there might not be a carnival this summer, the SCF definitely wants one in 2026, which will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The topic that generated the most discussion was where to host the event.
There were four choices discussed by the group: the fields of the Southwick Recreation Center; the grounds of The Wick 338; Whalley Park, all off Powder Mill Road; and Prifti Park where the carnival was hosted for decades.
The general consensus was the fields at the Recreation Center with parking at The Wick, but Whalley Park could also be included depending on the size and length of the event.
As for events that would be included either for just a fireworks show or the carnival, they ran the gamut.
There were suggestions that included running a 5K road race on The Wick 338 motocross track, a car show, arts and craft vendors, having a barbecue or chili cookoff, inviting food trucks and musical performances.
Everyone agreed a band was needed, but no one seemed to lean one way or the other on what style of music might work best.
Bob Fox, who organizes the Summer Concert Series for the Southwick Rotary Club, gave everyone an idea of the cost of hiring a band.
Themes for the event were also discussed.
Assistant Fire Chief Jessica Bishop suggested “Christmas in July” or “Mardi Gras.”
She also suggested if the event lasted the three days needed to secure the amusement rides to provide themes for each day, like First Responders Friday, with members of both forces available to interact with attendees and equipment from both departments for the children.
There was also discussion about having a beer garden.
Deedy said Tuesday that Monday’s meeting was conducted to gauge not only the willingness of the volunteers to commit to working during the event, but to start a discussion on financial support from area businesses.
“We’re trying to figure out how to build a foundation for a funding source,” he said.
And, he said, decide what the focus of the event should be.
“We’ve got to figure out if its to entertain the children, or children and families, which might mean beers and bands, but not so kid oriented.”
He said the volunteers will continue to meet and provide updates.
