HEPBURN TOWNSHIP -- After over 50 years, this may be the last year for a fireman's carnival in Lycoming County.
10-year-old Noah Golden and his buddies had free reins of the Hepburnville Carnival Grounds near Cogan Station north of Williamsport.
Noah came by the Hepburn Fire Company's annual carnival a few hours before the rides open.
"I always think about what ride I should go on next," said Noah Golden.
While Noah's worried about which ride to choose, Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company's fire chief has something else on his mind.
"It might be the carnival fundraiser. It might be the last year," said Fire Chief Jeffrey Tempesco.
"I wouldn't know what to do if the carnival wasn't up next year," said Golden.
The carnival that's been around for over 50 years usually brings in nearly $20,000 for the fire company. Over the past few years, members have seen low turnout and fewer volunteers.
"I mean just every year we take a major hit alone because we are not gaining our money back by doing the entertainment and all the rides," said James Lewis.
Volunteers tell Newswatch 16 they saw a decline in ticket sales about five years ago when the carnival first moved from its location across the street to a new location.
"Without funding there won't be a fire department," said Lewis.
Newswatch 16 stopped Avis Fire Company's annual carnival last month in Clinton County. Turnout was low there, too.
"There's at least four that in the last 10 years don't have a carnival anymore," said David Bartlebaugh.
With a big enough crowd this Saturday, the fire company is hopeful they'll make enough money to continue their tradition next year.