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A Rush Tradition — Annual Summer Fundraiser
Three nights in late July and early August. Midway rides and games, food from the Ladies Auxiliary, the Pavilion games of chance, the beer tent, live music — and the Saturday parade that brings the whole county to Rush Mendon Road. Come for the fun. Stay because it matters.
1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543 — Thu & Fri: evening · Sat: gates open 11 AM
Jul 30 – Aug 12026ThuFriSat
Thu & Fri
Evening
Sat — Gates 11 AM
Hours weather permitting
Free
Admission
Rides, games & food sold separately
Bring cash
Games of chance, the beer tent, and the Ladies Auxiliary food are cash only. Some ride and game vendors may take cards. There are ATMs on the grounds, but they empty out fast — so come ready with cash.
What's there
The Rush Fire Department Carnival has anchored the Town of Rush's summer calendar for generations. Families, neighbors, and visitors come from across Monroe County for the rides, the food, and the music — but also because they know what it's for.
A full midway of amusement rides and games for all ages, provided by Amusements of America. Thrill rides, family rides, and midway games the whole crew will want to try — running all three nights.
All-you-can-ride wristbands coming soon — pay one price and ride all day and night.
Big 6, Over/Under, High Hand Poker, Beat the Dealer, Penny Fall, and more. Plus a 50/50 raffle each night. Games of chance are 18+ only — valid ID required to enter the Pavilion.
The Rush Ladies Auxiliary runs the food operation: clams, plates, hot dogs, and hamburgs. Classic, honest carnival food made by the people who know this community best.
Cold beer, canned hard seltzers, and good company. 21+ with valid ID. Open every night of the carnival.
Various bands take the stage each night of the carnival. Performers to be announced — follow Rush Fire Department on Facebook for lineup updates as the event approaches.
Saturday, August 1 at 5:30 PM: marching bands, fire apparatus from visiting departments, and community businesses and groups roll down Rush Mendon Road. The ideal closer to three great nights.
Parade details
July 30 – August 1, 2026
All events at 1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543 — hours weather permitting
Thursday — July 30
Thursday's plans are still up in the air. Count on the full midway, food stands, Pavilion games of chance (18+), and the beer tent (21+) — the entertainment and finer details are still being worked out.
Friday — July 31
Throw on your boots and cowboy hats — we're running it back for another country night, with live music in the Beer & Entertainment Pavilion.
Saturday — August 1
The big day. Gates open at 11:00 AM — the only morning start of the three nights. Midway runs all afternoon, then at 5:30 PM the parade takes over Rush Mendon Road. After the parade, the midway reopens.
Thursday's lineup and exact set times to be announced — follow Rush Fire Department on Facebook for the latest.
Why it matters
The carnival is the department’s biggest annual fundraiser — and a big part of how Rush keeps its taxes low. The emergency-service side is funded by the Rush Fire District’s tax levy: the apparatus, the station, and day-to-day operations. The carnival doesn’t pay for that directly, but the money it raises helps the District take on the large, one-time purchases — which keeps the levy, and your tax bill, down.
When you buy ride tickets, sit down at the Pavilion, or grab a plate from the Ladies Auxiliary, you're helping cover the big-ticket needs the levy doesn't have to stretch for — and keeping this an event the whole town can count on. This is the week that makes a lot of the rest of the year possible.
100%
Volunteer
No paid staff — all neighbors
3
Nights
Thu Jul 30 – Sat Aug 1
589
Ambulance
Crewed by volunteer EMTs
#1
Fundraiser
Biggest of the year, every year
Know before you go
These rules are posted at both entrances and enforced by contracted security. Please read them before you arrive — they apply to every attendee, every night.
Grounds & Entry
Fenced Grounds — Security at Entry
The carnival grounds are fully fenced with two entrances: the parking-lot side by the firehouse, and the NW corner near Papa's Auto. Contracted security checks all attendees at both entrances. Signs are posted at each gate.
Private Property
The grounds are private property of the Rush Fire Department. Working with law enforcement, the department reserves the right to deny entry to or remove anyone causing a disturbance or posing a threat. Violators are removed and not readmitted.
Bag Policy
No backpacks, duffel bags, or drawstring bags. Accepted: fanny/belt bags, clear bags, small purses (under 6″×8″), diaper bags, and medical bags. Signs are posted at each entrance — leave prohibited bags at home or in your vehicle.
Age & ID Requirements
Minors Must Be Escorted
Anyone under 18 must be escorted by a parent, guardian, or family member who is at least 18 years old. Unaccompanied minors will not be admitted.
Photo ID for Adults
Guests 18 and older should carry valid photo ID with date of birth — driver's license, non-driver ID, passport, or visa. You will need it for the Beer & Games Pavilion.
Beer & Games Pavilion — Age Gates
The Beer & Games Pavilion is fenced. Valid ID is required and a wristband is issued at entry. Games of chance are 18+ only. The beer tent is 21+ only. No exceptions.
Conduct on the Grounds
No Marijuana Smoking
No marijuana smoking anywhere on the grounds. Tobacco smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area — not in common areas where families are present.
No Pets
Pets are not permitted on the carnival grounds. Trained service animals are welcome.
Zero Tolerance for Disturbances
Security and law enforcement are on site. Anyone causing a disturbance or posing a threat will be removed. Removal is permanent — no re-entry.
All carnival activities are weather permitting. In the event of severe weather, hours and availability may be modified. Follow Rush Fire Department on Facebook for any weather-related updates.
Community partners
The carnival runs on the local businesses and families who stand behind it. Sponsors come in every size — some with a logo, some just a name, some linking to their own site. The examples below show how they’ll appear; your sponsors will be confirmed closer to the carnival.
Presenting & Major Sponsors
Community Supporters
Want your business here?
Sponsoring the carnival puts your name in front of the entire Rush community for three nights. Multiple tiers available — signage, social media recognition, and program listing. Contact the department to discuss options.
The carnival is run by the department — members, past members, and their families and friends work the food stands, the Pavilion, parking, and the cleanup crew every night. The best way onto a crew is simple: join the department. Become a member and you're part of the team that puts Rush on the map every summer.
Local businesses have been sponsoring the Rush Fire Department Carnival for as long as anyone can remember. Your name on our signage means direct support for volunteer fire and EMS protection for the entire Town of Rush — and your neighbors will see it all three nights.
See you on the midway.
Jul 30 – Aug 1, 2026.
1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543 — Thu & Fri gates open in the evening · Sat gates open 11 AM · Hours weather permitting
