Haunted House, Magic Show, Zeppoles: Northport Fireman's Fair

NORTHPORT, NY — Whipping Zippers. Haunted houses. Sweet zeppoles and juicy hamburgers. The 2019 Northport Fireman's Fair is sure to offer something for everyone. The event, which is about a half-century old, kicks off Monday evening on the Northport Volunteer Fire Department's 6-acre site near Steers and Ocean avenues.

The event, which runs through Saturday, typically draws between 500 and 1,000 people per night, Dennis Sheridan, first assistant chief, told Patch on Monday. Festival-goers will be treated to numerous carnival rides and games, as well as tasty food and beverages. The rides are being provided by Blue Sky Amusements.

Children can participate in face-painting this year and even watch a magic show. One lucky attendee will also win up to $10,000 as part of a raffle. A prize is drawn every night.

"It's really a family-oriented event," said Sheridan.

The fair opens nightly at 7 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. While admission is free, the individual rides and games are not. A bracelet will allow attendees to pay one price and gain access to all the rides.

"It's a safe place where everyone can come and enjoy themselves and have a nice summer evening," said Sheridan.

Sheridan said the money goes toward the fire department's benevolent fund, which covers things not covered by taxpayer money.

"Being able to provide a hot meal on a cold night and a fire," he said. "Things like that. It helps offset the costs of things like that."

While the event usually brings in more than it costs, in some years it has basically broken even due to things like inclement weather.

"If you get rained out a few nights, chances are you're not going to be profitable," said Sheridan. "That's why it goes from Monday night to Saturday night — to give us an opportunity to protect us."

Fresh-made zeppoles were sure to be one of the biggest draws this year, he said. The classic Italian dessert is made of fried dough and coated with confectionery sugar.

"That's always a big hit," he said.

Sheridan added: "People do line up for it. We have people come just to buy the zeppoles."