Fire Department event returns: Food, fun and a fantastic parade

Fire Department event returns: Food, fun and a fantastic parade
The Fife and Drum band was among many from the Hudson Valley that participated in the Millbrook Hook and Ladder Co., #1’s Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, July 9.
Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — With a parade that lasted almost half an hour, the Millbrook Fireman’s Block Party was a huge success. The weekend event actually started on Friday evening, July 8, with food, music, a little gambling and a highly celebratory atmosphere focused on a community happy to be together. Music was furnished by Midnight Image.

Saturday evening was the main event, however, beginning with the National Anthem sung by Maddie Granger. The parade then marched down Franklin Avenue, ending at the firehouse, where fire companies around the region, including Dover, Wassaic, Unionvale, Pleasant Valley, East Clinton, Beekman and Sharon, Conn., were in attendance. There were Dutchess County vehicles as well, including an investigative  truck and a haz mat truck.

The parade marshals were retired local EMTs Alan Meyer and Rose Galente. Among the public figures spotted in the parade were County Executive Marc Molinaro and State Senator Sue Serino (R-41); Washington town Supervisor Gary Ciferri and Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy were driven in colorful convertibles as Village Trustees Vickie Contino, Buffy Arbogast, Mike Herzog and Peter Doro followed behind.

With much of Front Street closed off for the party afterward, a bounce house for  youngsters was set up just below the firehouse on the Village Green was a big attraction.

So, too, were the food stands where the aroma of hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and peppers and other tasty edibles wafted through the air. An old-fashioned popcorn stand did brisk business.

Tents set up on the green allowed those present to eat, mingle and play games while sipping beer, wine and soft drinks. And let’s not forget the karaoke machine, always popular at such events.

Inside the firehouse was a wheel of fortune and other gaming tables, along with a dazzling array of trophies; one of the highlights of the event was the Corn Hole Tournament. There were 17 teams registered; the first-place winners were Tim Race Jr. and Colin Wolford. Second place went to Danny Wilber and his son, Jake.

Parade trophies for the fire companies that participated went to Unionvale for Best Overall and Best Engine; J. H. Ketcham Hose Company from Dover got Best Color Guard, Best Antique Vehicle and Best Aerial (Ladder) Truck.

For many years, the president of Millbrook Hook & Ladder Co., #1 has sponsored the Fireman’s Carnival at the Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue, which is currently being renovated into a multi-purpose community center. The building previously belonged to the village, but has since been transferred to the 501(c)3 doing the renovation. It was not available for the fire department’s festivities this year because of the ongoing construction project.

And due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the past two years the fire department simply has not held any public parades or parties.

The community, therefore, appeared especially grateful that this year’s event was able to take place.

Millbrook fire department President Matt Rochfort said the Hook & Ladder Co. #1 was just as thankful.

“This was a great two-day event,” he said. “We’re happy with the results, and we thank everyone for coming out to support us.”

Rochfort also mentioned that having the event right at the firehouse was easier than holding it at the Thorne Building. It allowed people to gather together, share stories. Meeting at the fire company’s home base, he said, let volunteers’ families and friends cluster together with the feeling of a united community that had support from everyone, which no one seems to take for granted.

Hopefully, he added, some younger residents who were part of the weekend’s fellowship may consider volunteering for the fire company or rescue squad, whether in Millbrook or elsewhere, as all emergency services are in dire need of volunteers.

Rochfort said next year’s event will be even bigger, as it will be the 115th anniversary of the Millbrook Hook & Ladder Co., and the 45th Anniversary of its Auxiliary. The Millbrook department will also be hosting the Dutchess County Volunteer Fireman’s Dress Convention Parade, so it should be another great parade. Rochfort advised folks to mark it on your calendar, as it will be worth attending.

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