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| Some of the many vendors
set up during the flea market. This would be an excellent place to
locate old equipment needed to refurbish any old fire apparatus.
(Photo by: Joe Combs) |
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| Antique aerial apparatus
display flags in the foreground while other apparatus are on display in the
background. It was estimated that nearly 200 pieces of apparatus were on
display. (Photo by: Joe Combs) |
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| The mountain of foam was a
huge hit with the kids. (Photo By: Joe Combs) |
REYNOLDSBURG, OH - We all remember
the dreaded homework assignment, as a child, of writing about what you did on
your summer vacation. Well here is one that I feel I have to share.
We were fortunate enough to be on
vacation in Gahanna, Ohio, a community just northeast of Columbus, the week of
June 19th. While there we did all of the usual vacation things, from visiting
with family, to taking in some of the sites; Franklin Park Conservatory, the
Central Ohio Fire Museum, both located in Columbus, we also did one thing that
most people don’t.
That one thing, that set this
vacation apart from others, was, on Saturday June 24th, to attend the 18th
annual Central Ohio Antique Fire Apparatus Associations’ muster and flea
market. This was done together with the national Society for the Preservation
and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in Americas’ national
convention and the Ohio State Fire Marshals’ office.
The Ohio Fire Marshals’,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio facility was ideal for this type of event. There was ample
room for all of the apparatus to be displayed, vendors to set-up and spectators
to park. The display and vendor area included provisions for apparatus to be
drafting and pumping, an area for kids to play and participate in youth
activities. The facility was organized in a circular traffic pattern that lent
itself ideally to a short parade.
In addition to the apparatus on
display there was a flea market set-up with antique accessories and equipment
available to buy as well as many new items. There was also an area established
where fire safety literature was available for those who wanted it.
One of the many high-lights of
the event was the number of horse drawn steam pumpers. During the afternoon
there was a parade of hand and horse drawn apparatus. This activity concluded
with one of the steam pumpers being set up and operated. This drew a large
crowd as spectators and other exhibitors gathered around to view the pumper in
operation.
In addition to the apparatus
displays and flea market there were also events and activities set up for the
children. The Ohio State Fire Marshal provided a “Youth Fire Academy” which was
a huge hit with parents and children alike. Also provided was a foam blanket or
mountain which was six to seven feet thick and the kids loved it. You’d see a
child walk in, a short time later you’d see a clump of foam with legs running
around. Both of these events drew large crowds and were a good way for the kids
to cool off during the day.
On a more personal note, anyone
with an interest in the fire service or antique motor vehicles should plan on
attending an event of this sort if they come to your area. I’m already planning
on trying to locate another event similar to attend and maybe someday will be a
participant and not a spectator. I also have to commend all of the owners of
the apparatus present. It was obvious that there is a large amount of love and
dedication that goes into the preserved and restored pieces of equipment
present.
Related:
http://www.glynncountyfiredept.org
(wallpapers)
http://www.spaamfaa.org
http://www.coafaa.org
http://www.reesphotos.com/muster06/muster06.htm
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