Your favorite rides, slides, festival foods and games will be returning to North East, Pennsylvania July 17-20 for this year's North East Firemen's Cherry Festival. 

The annual summer gathering in North East is often a rally point of class reunions, weddings, family activities and honored traditions, according to event organizers. 

The event will feature rides live music, games, and fair food, including the Cherry Festival Sausage. Event organizers say the hand cut roll surrounds a secret recipe sausage with fresh cut onions and peppers. 

The parade is the largest volunteer firemen's parade in the state. The parade will take place in downtown North East on Saturday, July 20 at 2 p.m. 

Additional entertainment includes bands, performing groups, horses and emergency vehicles. 

All proceeds from the Cherry Festival benefit Fuller Hose Company 1 and Crescent Hose Company 2. 

North East Firemen's Cherry Festival Schedule: 

  • Wednesday - July 17th
    • 5:30 p.m. - Grounds Open
    • 6 p.m.-10 p.m. - Ride a Rama
    • 6 p.m. - $50 cash / 50 Ticket Raffle 1
    • 7 p.m. - $50 cash / 50 Ticket Raffle 2
    • 8 p.m. - $50 cash / 50 Ticket Raffle 3
    • 9 p.m. - $50 cash / 50 Ticket Raffle 4
    • 11:00 p.m. - Grounds Close
  • Thursday - July 18th
    • 5:30 p.m. - Grounds Open
    • 6 p.m.-10 p.m. - Ride a Rama
    • 6 p.m. - 76th Cherry Queen Crowning at Heard Park Grandstand
    • 11:00 p.m. - Grounds Close
  • Friday - July 19th
    • 5:30 p.m. - Grounds Open
    • 6 p.m.-10 p.m. - Ride a Rama
    • 11:00 p.m. - Grounds Close
  • Saturday - July 20th
    • 7:30am - O'Neal Memorial / Cherry Fest 5K Run, register at Gibson Park
    • 12:00 p.m. - Fest Grounds Open
    • 2:00 p.m. - Cherry Festival Parade
    • 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Ride a Rama
    • 11:00 p.m. - Grounds Close

More information on the annual festival can be found here.