WATSONTOWN -- Volunteers of the Warrior Run Area Fire department are gearing up for not just one but two carnivals back to back next month.

The Turbotville Carnival will take place June 1-6, while the Watsontown Carnival is June 8-13.

"We get lots of support from the volunteers and the community," said Kathy Kling, who coordinates the carnivals, along with her husband, Jason. The carnivals, she said, are traditional fundraisers for the fire department.

When Turbotville joined the regional department, it was agreed to continue the Turbotville carnival. For years before the merger, Warrior Run volunteers went to Turbotville to help out anyway, Kling said. Proceeds from both carnivals benefit the entire Warrior Run area.

"It's a long grueling two weeks, but it's a lot of fun, too," Kling continued. "It's our way to give back to the community."

Both carnivals feature nightly entertainment and nightly dinner specials, and both include pet parades and firemen's parades on the respective Saturdays. The carnivals grounds open nightly at 6 p.m. for the rides and games.

Turbotville's carnival is renowned for its chicken barbecue, and Watsontown's Saturday ox roast is eagerly anticipated by many visitors.

Watsontown was always known for its nightly cake wheel featuring homemade cakes by Watsontown area residents. In recent years, the fire department has started the church challenge, asking each church in town to provide cakes for a specific night. The church that has the largest number of cakes receives a monetary donation, a trophy they can hold and display for a year, as well as bragging rights.

"The community really seems to enjoy that," said Kling.

Watsontown's parade, on June 13, will feature the Nittany Highland Pipe Band, an authentic Scottish pipe band. Following the parade, the band will perform a short program in the park.

"These carnivals are a way for a family to have a good time," said Kling. "It's not a trip to the beach, but it is a night out."