The New Concord Fire Department (NCFD) is set to host the 58th annual Firefighters Festival July 7-8.
New Concord Fire Chief Brent Gates said this will be his 38th New Concord festival.
“Even though I’m not in charge of the festival anymore,” said Gates, “I enjoy the crowd, and I enjoy the people you see each and every year.”
Gates said money raised during the festival goes toward new equipment, such as the John Deere Gator purchased in January 2017.
“There’s some equipment suggestions that we’ve put out there,” said Gates. “Different things that we need that our budget can’t afford at this time to purchase… Hopefully we can raise some money and purchase one of those items.”
Gates said items the department is hopeful to receive include battery-operated rescue tools and a new thermal energy camera.
The event kicks off Friday, July 7 at 5 p.m. with food provided by NCFD. HB7 will perform at 7 p.m. as part of the Celebrate New Concord summer entertainment series and will be followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
The second day of the festival begins at 9 a.m. with a 5K walk/run and 10K run sponsored by the John Glenn High School track team. Other events include “Touch a Truck” from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m, the parade at 2:30 p.m., and a chicken dinner at 4 p.m.
The festival concludes Saturday, July 8 with a fundraising raffle drawing at 6:30 p.m. following the chicken dinner.
“[It’s] fun for all ages,” said Gates.
Bingo and inflatables will also be available for entertainment during the weekend.
Gates said anyone who has questions regarding the festival can contact the fire department at 740-826-7671.
