CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary   Committee members planning a joint 125th anniversary celebration for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company and Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association are (kneeling) Jackson McConnel, (Seated left-right): Kilmer Setzer, Robert Hanner, Tiffany Keister, Brinley Hanner, Bryan Boyer, Steve Stiger, Pam Kinney, Chris May and Bob Hanner. (Standing): Scott Reeser, Brandon Woodside, Gary Bennett, Officer Ryan Travelpiece, Kelly Brehm, Carol Woodside, Angie Baker, Lisa Brehm, Joyce Wheeland, all of HFD; and from Danville, Montour County, Larry Brown and Deanna Force, and Union County Vice President Tom Kleckner.  

HUGHESVILLE – Members of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company (HFD) will host this year’s fireman’s convention which will laud the 125th anniversary of both the local HFD and the Central District Fireman’s Association.

Many hours by members of both organizations have gone into planning the three-day event slated to be held at the Lycoming County fairgrounds in Hughesville from Thursday, August 10 through Saturday, August 12.

Food, craft vendors and many fun activities will open on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Starting Friday at 9 a.m. at the fairground’s main stage, a Memorial service will be held for fire personnel who were deceased during the past year. Should weather be inclement, the service will be held in the nearby Friends Church on Third Street. Later the firemen will have a ‘Battle of the Barrel’ competition with trophies awarded at 6 p.m.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday the firemen will have a Pump contest. Afterward, children ages 4 to 14 may participate in a ‘Battle of the Barrel’ contest. Registration for the kids event are from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Commercial building will be the site for nightly live entertainment. From 8 to 11 p.m. the line up includes the following bands: Thursday, KNK Sound; Friday, Lucky Afternoon and on Saturday, Pepper Street. Admission is free. Those over age 21 may purchase wrist bands for legal beverages.

On Saturday, the Grand Convention Parade forms at 4 p.m. at the Hughesville High School and moves at 5 p.m. east on Cemetery Street, north on Main Street, west on Walnut Street and south on Railroad Street to the fire house. Awards to participants will be given at the fair grounds. Those entering pets, floats, walking or riding groups may contact Pam Kinney at HVFDConvention2017@hotmail.com.

HFD president Neal Winders invites all to come out and celebrate the duo anniversaries marking 125 years, both founded in 1892.

The Central District Fireman’s Association is comprised of 23 counties with approximately 250 fire departments and fire service related agencies. The association tracks legislation in Harrisburg that concerns fire service.