The New Concord Fire Department hosted the 58th Annual Firefighters Festival July 7-8.
New Concord Fire Chief Brent Gates said despite the poor weather, he was satisfied with the turnout.
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- New Concord Fire Department Truck 901.
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- Muskingum Unversity President Dr. Susan S. Hasseler and Magnus the Muskie wave to attendees during the festival parade. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Boy Scout Troop 510 raises money during the Firemans Festival by selling ice cream to customers. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Members of the New Concord Fire Department Chris Cocca (left) and Jess Dalrymple (right) collect money raised by selling food during the festival. Photo: Marty Kurtz
“The rain hurt us a few times but the people come back,” said Gates. “Our crowd was a little sparse Friday evening…but other than that we did fine.”
HB7’s Celebrate New Concord performance was originally canceled early in the evening due to weather until Gates helped convince them to play for those who waited out the rain. The performance was delayed two hours and concluded just before the firework show at 10 p.m.
New Concord held fireworks during the festival July 7 at 10 p.m. Over $7,000 was raised to put on the show. Photo: Marty Kurtz
“Other than [the weather], it was a success,” said Gates. “Great support and we can’t say enough about our community.”
Gates said in June the 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 a final tally on donations won’t be available until next month once all donations are collected and bills are paid.
