a 51-year tradition fuels local fire company funding
For 51 years, the Southmont Volunteer Fire Company Jubilee has been a summer staple in the Johnstown area.
This is our biggest fundraiser we have for the year. It’s a great time. Families come in; everybody looks forward to it every year. Everybody’s welcome to have a good time,” says Southmont Volunteer Fire Company Safety Officer Jim Dailey.
While hundreds of visitors attend the Jubilee annually, Dailey says most people don’t realize that it raises the majority of the organization’s budget.
“This is probably a good 80% of our funds that we need to operate every year. We have to pay for our fuel and insurance. Even though we have a few small [fundraisers] throughout the year, this is a big deal,” he says.
Dailey says the money comes from ride tickets and the company kitchen, which sells food made by the volunteer fire fighters. He says he’s always thankful for the crowds that visit the Jubilee each year, rain or shine.
Dailey says, “Despite the typical threat of rain and a few sprinkles, it does not scare people away. They’re out to have fun, this is their kickoff for the summer. Kids are anxious, school’s ending, so this is their time to get out and enjoy.”
Dailey says visitors can expect to see a parade Thursday night, which will award trophies to the best-looking vehicles from several safety organizations in Cambria County.
Learn more about the Southmont Volunteer Fire Company on their Facebook page.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uLbAnKuvZpOkunC6xLCqaKSfmK6te9KorK2gnaS7tXnJrpmipJWaeqJ5lGpksp2Rp3q1vsCdoK2hn6N6p8HEpapmpJ%2BYrq15xaKpnmWTpLqxrc2yZJ%2Btnpm2r7M%3D