‘Old Home Week' planned in Irvona
The Progress, Monday, April 23, 2007
By Terry Whetstone Staff Writer

IRVONA - It is carnival time and once again Irvona Fire Co. will kick the season off with the first carnival of the year.

"Old Home Week" will commence May 21 and continue through May 26 at Elderberry Park in Irvona. It is a time for those who grew up in the Irvona area to come home and visit with old friends and family members and for newcomers to check out what the small town has to offer aside from enjoying a carnival.

Dubbed "Old Home Week," the members of the fire company chose the name to allow people to take advantage of the time at the park to reminisce with old friends about old times, to catch up on present times and to watch the children and adults alike enjoying the carnival food, rides and games.

With the festival quickly approaching comes an event the fire company hasn't been involved with in more than 15 years, a fire company queen contest.

"We're not in charge of the contest," said Dudley Spencer II, fire company president. "Cindy Ferrance is handling that for us."

Paul Burchill, fire company member, said the last queen was Julie Cavaner in 1991.

Mrs. Ferrance said the fire company has been making some positive strides forward and she wanted to bring a little bit of old back with the new.

"I think that now the fire company is growing, the carnival and parade are back and so should the older traditions," Mrs. Ferrance said. "With all that's going on in the town of Irvona, people are interested in making an already good town even better."

She hopes to hold the contest May 10 at Irvona firehall so the queen can be available all week during the carnival.

"I think a queen and princess contest is what this carnival is lacking," she said. "Plus, the queen and princess can represent and support the fire company at all functions they participate in throughout the year."

Mrs. Ferrance has applications available for those interested in competing.

There are rules; those participating must live in Irvona Borough or Jordan, Beccaria or Chest township to be eligible and those who may win have to be available to go with the fire company to parades and other functions.

Contestants must be between  ages 16-19 to be eligible for the queen contest and ages 11-15 for the princess.

Applications are available at the Irvona firehall, Anna Mae's Beauty Salon, Michael Ferrance Chiropractic and Hunter Hardware, all at Irvona; Ken's Stop and Shop at Glen Hope; Barb's Family Restaurant and Leyo's Supermarket, both at Coalport; Sir Barney's Restaurant at Flinton; or at local schools.

The carnival grounds will open each night at 6 p.m. except Saturday, and the kitchen will open early.

There will be rides available all week and the price is $10 for a wristband to ride all night. There will be individual ride tickets available.

"This year's event ends on Memorial Day weekend," Mr. Spencer said. "There should be some good times and conversation for everybody."

The rides are being provided by Swope Family Amusements of Melcroft.

Anyone not associated with the company can contact the amusement family and work out a deal to  set  up a food stand.

Nonprofit organizations, such as fire companies, churches and other groups should contact the fire company to set up.

On May 24 DJ Rocks will play from 7-10 p.m. and May 25 the Smoke Run Band will take to the stage from 8-11 p.m.

May 26 is the big day, as activities will kick off at 1 p.m. with a rescue demonstration at the firehall.

The parade will line up at 3 p.m. on upper Rose Street and will step off at 4 p.m.

Anyone can participate in the parade; the only requirement is to arrive around 3 p.m. for lineup.

Additional information is available on the fire company's Web site at www.irvonafirecompany.com

The kitchen will also open at 4 p.m. May 26 only.

Crazy 88's will provide music entertainment from 8-11 p.m. at the park.

"We're trying to get the best show available for a small community," Mr. Spencer said. "In keeping with that we can offer a reasonable price and continue to keep admission free for everyone."