Public Information
Labor Day Weekend Carnival
Everything you need to know about our biggest event of the year — four days of rides, games, food, and family fun, all in support of your all-volunteer fire department. This page answers the most common questions about the carnival and will be updated with the latest details as the weekend approaches.
When & Where
September 3 – 6, 2026
Held at the Boonton High School Field, 306 Lathrop Ave, Boonton, NJ. Admission to the grounds is free.
Thursday, Sept 3
6:00 – 11:00 PM
Opening Night
Friday, Sept 4
6:00 – 11:00 PM
Second Night
Saturday, Sept 5
3:30 – 11:00 PM
Parade Day · Parade 1:30 PM
Sunday, Sept 6
3:00 – 11:00 PM
Fireworks Finale
Hours are subject to change. For the full weekend lineup including the parade and fireworks, see the Events page.
Saturday of the Weekend
🎺 135th Anniversary Parade
For nearly 90 years the Boonton Fire Department has marched its Labor Day Weekend inspection and parade, and 2026 marks our 135th Anniversary. Fire companies, ladies auxiliaries, bands, drum corps, and antique apparatus from across the region are invited to join us. Spectators are welcome all along the route — line up early to catch the apparatus, color guards, and marching units.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 5, 2026 — steps off at 1:30 PM sharp. Rain date: Monday, September 7, 2026.
Assembly
Units line up in West Boonton beginning at noon. Enter at Morris Avenue & Rockaway Street; all units should arrive no later than 12:30 PM.
Route
Down Main Street to Grant Street, to Old Boonton Road, ending at the Boonton High School field.
Apparatus Judging
Held before the parade at the Walmart parking lot (enter from Division St). Registration 8:30–11:00 AM; judging begins at 9:00 AM.
Please note: Any use of sirens in the line of march — except in a genuine emergency — will result in disqualification. Full conduct, uniform, and judging rules are in the Rules & Regulations document below.
Marching Units
Sign Up to March
Registering your fire company, auxiliary, band, or unit to march in the parade? Complete the online entry form on our parade page. Prefer to mail it in? Use the printable entry form above.
Go to the Parade Entry Form →Rides & Games
🎡 Midway by Blue Sky Amusements
Our rides and midway games are provided by Blue Sky Amusements, a professional, fully insured amusement company. From family rides and kiddie favorites to thrill rides and classic carnival games, there's something for every age. Ride pass and credit pricing is listed below.
Thrill Rides
Bigger rides for older kids and adults.
Family & Kiddie Rides
Gentle rides the whole family can enjoy.
Midway Games
Win prizes at classic games of skill and chance.
Ride Pricing
🎟️Ride Passes & Credits
There are two ways to pay for rides: buy a ride pass, or buy credits and use them ride by ride. Buying your pass ahead of time — and paying cash on the grounds — always costs the least.
🎫Ride Passes
Buy Before the Carnival
$35
Pre-sale price
$38 total when purchased online, including the website fee and credit card fee.
Buy On the Grounds
$40
Cash price on site
$41.16 if you pay by credit card at the carnival.
🪙Ride Credits
Rather pay as you go? Credits are sold in packs on the grounds. The larger the pack, the more bonus credits you get.
Most rides take 4–9 credits each, so a 38-credit pack is roughly four to nine rides depending on which rides you pick.
| Credits | Cash | Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | $10 | $10.29 |
| 18 | $20 | $20.58 |
| 38 | $40 | $41.16 |
| 48 | $50 | $51.45 |
| 58 | $60 | $61.74 |
| 78 | $80 | $82.32 |
| 98 | $100 | $102.90 |
Credit card prices include the card processing fee. Cash is always the lowest price. Rides and credits are sold by Blue Sky Amusements; prices are subject to change — check the ticket booth on the grounds for the latest.
On the Grounds
🍴 Food Tents
Hungry? Our volunteers staff several food tents throughout the weekend. Here's what each tent is serving.
Pizza Tent
Pizza by the slice or the pie, plus classic Italian fair-day sweets.
- · Pizza by the slice or pie
- · Zeppole's
- · Funnel cakes
- · Deep fried Oreos
Seafood Tent
Fresh-cooked seafood and summer cookout sides.
- · Clam chowder
- · Steamers
- · Corn on the cob
Food Tent
Hot-off-the-grill favorites and carnival classics.
- · Water / soda
- · Hot dogs
- · Chili dogs
- · Chili cheese fries
- · French fries
- · Chicken O's
- · Hot wings
- · Sausage and peppers
- · Chili in a cup
Beer Tent
An assortment of cocktails for a great summer day or evening.
- · Assortment of cocktails
Credit Card Terminals Available
Credit card terminals will be available in the Food, Seafood, Pizza, and Beer Tents. A 3% convenience fee will be charged on all credit card transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get in?
Admission to the grounds is free. Rides and games are paid separately, and food is available for purchase at the food tents.
Who provides the rides and games?
The rides and midway games are operated by Blue Sky Amusements, a professional, fully insured amusement provider. See their website for the types of rides they bring.
Is the carnival accessible?
Yes. ADA-accessible parking and seating are available on the grounds, and ASL interpretation can be arranged on request — just contact us ahead of time.
What happens if it rains?
The carnival runs rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, ride operations may pause for safety. Follow our Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates.
Is there parking?
Free public parking is available nearby. ADA-accessible spaces are reserved close to the entrance. Please follow posted signage and the direction of volunteers.
Still Have Questions?
Follow us for the latest carnival updates, or reach out and we'll be happy to help.
Hearing-impaired? Announcements posted on Facebook & Instagram. ASL available on request — contact Chief@boontonfd.org.