After weeks of preparation, the Pittston Twp. Volunteer Fire Department opened their Firemen’s Picnic on Wednesday afternoon despite a rainy forecast.

Families enjoyed rides for about two hours until the rain forced them to close for the night, although that didn’t stop the food and live entertainment portion of the picnic.

“We can control all the work we put into this and the set up, but the one thing we can’t control is the weather,” said Jordan Consagra president of the Pittston Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

Fortunately, Wednesday was just the beginning of the picnic, which will run until June 1st.

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time, if you’re with your father, your grandfather, your mother or grandfather or even if you’re just a 25 year old, we want you to come on out and have a good time and enjoy the picnic, this is the place for you,” said Consegra.

Originating in the 80s and 90s, the picnic has now grown to a carnival spanning almost three acres of the former fire station.

“We have some knick knacks and stuff, we’ll have face painting, some ice cream, we’re just trying to have everyone have a good time. We have a lot of entertainment, we have a beer tent and some gambling going on for the older crowd,” said Consagra.

The firemen and volunteers can be found cooking a variety of food near the entrance to the carnival including chicken bacon ranch pizza, buffalo chicken pizza and pizza fritta.

Each night will have live entertainment.

Weekday hours are from 5-11 p.m., Saturday hours are from 2-11 p.m., and Sunday hours are from 2-9 p.m.