PEN ARGYL, Pa. - It's a tradition older than most people in the community: Lookout Fire Company No. 1's annual Labor Day celebration is now in its 91st year.
The festivities have been going on all weekend and Monday it all culminates with a parade at 1 p.m. and more rides, treats and live music at Weona Park in Pen Argyl after that.
"It's tradition, friendship, you know?" Chief Dean Parsons, with Lookout Fire Company No. 1, said. "Great bunch of guys here at Lookout. We all get along."
Labor Day marks the unofficial goodbye to summer. But with such a festive celebration of the red, white and blue, there's no room for end-of-summer blues.
Casey and Zelda Repsher have been coming to the parade for the last decade-plus.
"It's just a day of fun," Casey said. "Fun and hanging out with family and friends and just having a good time."
The Repshers say they're looking forward to watching SteelCreek Band at Weona Park Monday.
"We follow them religiously," Zelda said.
And even though the parade doesn't start until 1 p.m., the couple nabbed their spot five hours early, saying it's a prime space for candy collecting.
"Because it's the end of the route, so they start tossing all the extras out the window," Casey said.
"Lots of candy," Grant Parsons, Lookout Firefighter, Labor Day Committee Member and the chief's son, said. "It's a great time for the whole family."
Volunteer firefighters, like Dean and Grant Parsons, work tirelessly to make the long, weekend-long celebration seamless.
"This year we have 55 fire departments," Grant said.
55 fire companies across six counties and two states all vie for special awards focused on the firefighters.
"So, there will be 38 winners," Grant said, "with the top prize being the best overall appearing fire company for equipment and marching."
And it's all to raise money to buy expensive equipment to help the volunteer firefighters save lives in their community.
"This stuff's not cheap," Dean said. "It's really expensive."
Certain roads will be closed until 3 p.m. Monday. For a map with road closures and detours, head here.
The rides and fun at Weona Park begin after the parade at 3 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Monday.