Fire Fighters Local 21 continued a 43-year tradition with its annual carnival at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. About 100 current and former patients of Gillette joined in a barbecue, played games and gathered to see the crowning of the carnival's king and queen.

Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare is an independent, non-profit hospital and clinic treating children and teens with chronic conditions. The firefighters sponsored their first carnival when a Local 21 member's son was a patient at Gillette's hospital. Fire Captain and event organizer Bill Lee said they continue their sponsorship as a 'way of showing how much we care for the children in our community.'

For volunteers, interacting with children was the highlight of the July 10 event. 'I loved seeing the kids and the smiles on their faces,' said firefighter Bill Wegeworth. 'It was great seeing the kids have some fun,' commented firefighter and first-time carnival volunteer Matt Lacy.

Gillette staff members agreed the children enjoy the carnival. 'Kids just love it; it's something they look forward to,' noted Tammy Larson, a therapeutic recreation specialist. 'It's a great chance for the kids to get outside, have fun, and mingle with some of today's heroes.'

Margaret Anaya and her 10-year-old daughter, who suffers from an accident-induced brain injury, have attended the carnival for the past seven years. 'It's the one place where our kids are even with other kids,' she said. 'That's good for their self-esteem.'

The event closed with the announcement of a carnival king and queen. After receiving his crown, four-year old Lane Lindner hugged a large toy fire truck to his chest and summarized the day's events: 'It's awesome!'

Erica Roy is a student at Macalester College who is interning this summer with Workday Minnesota and the Union Advocate newspaper.