Firefighters map plans for convention
What has 10 tires and 10 legs and is red all over? It’s not a childhood riddle. It’s the new version of tug of war that is planned this summer for the 64th annual Fayette County Firemen’s Convention.
This year, the convention is being co-hosted by Hopwood Fire Department and the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. It’s a first for both outfits, as the convention has neither traveled into the mountains nor stopped in Hopwood.
Each year, the fire department that hosts the event tries to do something new or different to create interest, said Farmington fire chief Brian VanSickle.
This year, Farmington agreed to try something a little different with the traditional tug-of-war competition. Instead of counting noses or weighing in, contestants will hitch up to see which department can most quickly pull a fire truck 50 feet.
Though the annual convention has a festive air, it begins in remembrance, with a memorial service honoring those firefighters who died in the past year.
Friends and families of those fallen firefighters are invited to join the departments in honoring their lives and commitments to safeguarding the lives of others. Services are open to the public and will be held July 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the Hopwood United Methodist Church.
All through the week of July 7, the convention will feature sporting events and nightly entertainment at the Farmington Firehouse and Arena. In addition to the new tug of war, the fire companies will square off in a traditional tugging battle.
Another longtime crowd favorite, the battle of the barrel, pits department against department with dueling fire hoses, pushing a barrel along a suspended cable. Other events include bucket brigade, a scramble to get into gear and hose laying races.
Throughout the week, visitors will be treated to booths, go-carts, games, a petting zoo, food and nightly entertainment of live bands or local DJs. The events and attractions were crafted with family fun in mind, “so bring the whole family for a fun evening,” said Hopwood Assistant Chief Scott Conn.
On Saturday, July 13, the convention will conclude with the annual meeting, followed by the firemen’s parade at 3 p.m. on Route 381 south, ending at the Farmington Firehouse. After the parade, games and booths will reopen and hot air balloon rides will be offered. The evening will go out with a bang with a demolition derby in the outdoor arena at 6 p.m. and a fireworks display, compliments of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, at 9 p.m.
In addition to electing officers for the association and having a good time, the convention allows the departments to host members of the communities they serve in a family-friendly and fun atmosphere, VanSickle said.
“This gives the county fire departments the opportunity to meet up when they normally wouldn’t get the chance to work together and exchange ideas,” he said.