MILLBROOK — Rain showers put a slight damper on the first night of the Millbrook Fire Department’s (MFD) 2023 block party on Thursday, July 6, but Friday night was a fun night from start to finish, and clear skies for the Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, July 8, made attendees smile. After the parade there was food, karaoke, bingo, gambling and beer until midnight.

Thursday night featured music by the Rhythm and Blues Band from 7 to 11 p.m., with food, beer, games, a 50/50 raffle for adults as well as a bounce house, face painting and other events for children.

On Friday, July 7, the weather was better, and the crowds took advantage of that by strolling the area, playing bingo, gambling on wheel games, and having children’s faces painted, all while listening to the Jukebox Junkies band and cheering on their favorites for the cornhole tournament.

The final night included the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Convention dress parade, which started at 6 p.m. and went for almost a full hour.

MFD is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year, and the Auxiliary is 45 years old in 2023, so there was much to celebrate. Leading the parade was the MFD color guard, and the parade marshals, who were the past chiefs and past presidents. Included were Jon Wacker, Mike Massarone, Tony DeMarco, Chris Hawks, Jim Brownell, Ted Bownas, Laurie Olsen and Joan Van Tassell. They were followed by Village of Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy, village trustees Mike Herzog and Peter Doro, and Town of Washington Supervisor Gary Ciferri.

After the VFW Post 9008 color guard came Dutchess County Volunteer Fire Association President Bob Boyles, Vice President John O’Brien and director Jack Schmidt.

The parade’s Division 1 included the New Hackensack, Amenia and Pleasant Valley fire departments; J.H. Ketcham Hose Company of Dover; Milan, Millerton, East Clinton and West Clinton, and Putnam Lake companies; and the Sharon, Connecticut, Pawling, Rhinebeck, Wassaic and Slater Chemical/Glenham fire departments.

Division 2 featured the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office color guard and a deputy with one of the K9 dogs. The Dutchess County Fire Investigation truck was followed by the City of Hudson, Stottville, Hughsonville and Montrose fire departments; the Chelsea, Roosevelt, Beekman, New Hamburg, Rombout, Union Vale and the Fair Chester Hose Haulers companies also participated. It is one of only two such parades still held in Dutchess County.

Following the parade, the block party continued with karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m. led by Let’s Jam Music out of LaGrangeville.  Many of those who participated in the parade met with friends, enjoyed the food and camaraderie, bet a few dollars, and participated in games and bingo in support of the Millbrook Fire Department.

The Patriots Marching Band from Rhinebeck, N.Y., marching with the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s dress parade on Saturday, July 8, in Millbrook. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

From left, Kathleen Marshall, Roland Burlingame, Tony DiBonis and Kathi Shanks at the beer tent at the Millbrook Fire Department’s block party on Thursday, July 6. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Food prepared and served at Amenia Tents included hot dogs, french fries, hamburgers and other party favorites at the Millerton Fire Department’s block party on Thursday, July 6. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

From left, Kathleen Marshall, Roland Burlingame, Tony DiBonis and Kathi Shanks at the beer tent at the Millbrook Fire Department’s block party on Thursday, July 6. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe