The 50th birthday of the Monarch Volunteer Fire Department will be celebrated with a four-day party.
"Everything is falling into place," said Judie Kosisko, one of three organizers for the event that will be held Thursday through Sunday on the fire department grounds.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, the crowning of a queen and little princess will be held, followed by entertainment by DJ Jay Speeney.
"We're selling many tickets," Kosisko said of the contest. Participants are selling tickets to help raise money for the fire department.
The princess contest is for girls ages 7 to 12. The queen contest is for girls ages 13 to 17. For each contest, the first-place winner will receive a $100 bond; second place, $75 bond; and third place, a $50 bond. They also each receive a crown and flowers.
On Friday, there will be free admission to the Night at the Races, beginning at 7 p.m. A DJ will be there, too. Fireworks from Keystone Fireworks will follow at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, the festival will open at 1 p.m. A parade will be held at 3 p.m.
The parade's grand marshal will be William Yourich, one of the founding members of the fire department and the only surviving founder, Kosisko said.
Trophies will be awarded to the best-looking fire equipment in 12 different categories.
Fayette EMS will be there on Saturday for blood pressure screenings. Live music will be provided by the band Proof Positive at 7 p.m.
The final day of the event will start with a car, truck and motorcycle show at 1 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot, with registration beginning at noon. Oldies will be spun by DJ Artie Amber.
Kosisko said dash plaques will be awarded for the best antique pre-1930, antique 1930 to 1950, classic '50s, classic '60s, motorcycle and pickup trucks.
On display at the event will be a restored 1959 Ford/John Beam fire truck from the collection of the late Sullivan D'Amico.
Also on display will be the history of the fire department and a train display. The train display will be set up inside the fire department by Spirit of America Railroad, of Scottdale, with an 8-by-16-foot display of 12 running trains for the History of the United States in Trains.
Kosisko said fire department volunteers will cook and sell all the food for the event; they will have children's games, a cake wheel to win deserts, and a Chinese auction, to name a few.
Kosisko said someone even donated a $70 item to the Chinese auction.
"What we're getting for that is unbelievable," Kosisko said.
