UPPER SANDUSKY - The Upper Sandusky Fire Department has announced the second annual Firemen's Festival for 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 28. The festivities include competitions and games for all ages, food vendors, bazaar, raffles and live entertainment.
"Last year, we claimed it a success but it took a lot of hard work and dedication from our firefighters, families, retirees and other local fire departments. Local businesses also played a tremendous part last year helping out by generously donating money, door prizes and materials for many of the events," said co-chairman Matt Swavel.
This year's festival is to have some adult games. Pull tabs and simulated horse races are to be set up at the fire station.
Another new event this year is a poker run, scheduled for 11 a.m., with registrations beginning at 10 a.m. The run will begin at Thiel's Wheels and follow a route throughout Wyandot County, stopping at local fire departments. The cost is $10 for a single rider and $15 for a couple. The proceeds will go toward a scholarship program for an Upper Sandusky High School graduate pursuing a public safety career.
A corn hole tournament is to take place inside the beer garden tent. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and games start at noon. The cost is $40 per team, and the payout is to be based on the number of teams registered.
Teams are encouraged to register prior to the competition by picking up forms at the fire station.
Kids activities this year include "Touch a Truck" at 10 a.m. in the downtown area. There will be many different types of equipment for the kids to touch and learn about, ranging from farm tractors to fire trucks.
The Junior Firefighter Challenge is scheduled again this year at 2 p.m. downtown. It is an obstacle course set up for young ones to show off their firefighting abilities. Air Extreme is to provide rides for younger kids. A game tent also is to be available for kids to win small trinkets or candy.
All-day wrist bands or ride tickets can be purchased the day of the festival.
Wyandot County EMS/Jaws is to put on a Jaws of Life demonstration. Mid Ohio Electric Co. is planning an electrical safety demonstration in the downtown area. Bleachers are to be available for seating at these events.
Water ball is to return this year on the 100-block of East Walker Street. Local businesses, churches, clubs, restaurants and fire departments are encouraged to partake in this year's contest. Interested organizations can register at the fire station. Registration also is to take place the day of festival, beginning at 1 p.m. The contest is to begin at 3 p.m.
The festival parade is to kick off at 5 p.m., with line-up beginning at 3 p.m. at Upper Sandusky High School. This year's theme is "Honor, Service and Community." Registration forms may be picked up at the fire station.
The fire department also is looking for military personnel, military families and military veterans for a special presentation of colors during the parade.
Call Dave Mowery at (419) 310-0812.
The parade is to head south on Sandusky Avenue from the high school and then west onto Wyandot Avenue, ending at Eighth and Wyandot streets.
A local band is scheduled to take the stage at the beer garden beginning at 6 p.m. The main entertainment, The Curve, is to play at 8 p.m.
Kids will have a chance to qualify for the state Kiddie Tractor Pulls in August. Boys and girls ages 4-11 will be able to show off their strength once again this year by seeing how far they can pedal pull down the track.
This is a free event for the kids; a pulling class for adults also is available.
Registration is $5 for adults and the winner takes home bragging rights. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with pulls to follow in front of the fire station.
The main raffle this year is to consist of a 1911 model Ithica .45-caliber handgun for the grand prize, $200 cash for second place and $100 cash for third place. Other door prizes are to be awarded at the end of the night. The winners need not be present to win.
