Firemen’s Parade Brings Big Crowd to Worthington
Showcased in front of hundreds during Worthington Carnival’s Firemen’s Parade Thursday, Manor Township Fire Department’s aerial truck won a cash prize as “Best Appearing Aerial.”
by Jonathan Weaver
More than 40 fire departments participated in the annual Firemen’s Parade last night as part of the Worthington Carnival celebration, but equipment from eight local and regional volunteering agencies stood out.
During the nearly 90-minute parade along Main Street, State Fire Instructor Kevin McIlwain, Rich Swartz and Matt Cypher walked along the parade route and looked at each truck.
McIlwain, who lives in Wick City and who has volunteered with Kittanning Hose Company No. 6 for the past 40 years, said departments with a progressive attitude toward safety received his vote.
“I teach the stuff and I like to see people retain what was taught,” McIlwain said.
Cypher, fire chief for Buffalo Township, and Swartz, assistant chief, said the judges also looked for cleanliness and safety.
“Safety is very important,” Swartz said. “You know who’s keeping up and who knows their stuff.”
Swartz, a former fire chief in Freeport, said a few of the awards were difficult to choose.
“Tougher than you would think they would be,” Swartz said. “It’s not always an easy task.”
The judges also did not judge their own apparatus.
While it was Cypher’s first year as judge, McIlwain and Swartz have assisted Parade Organizer Connie Feeney since she began about 30 years ago. McIlwain even trained Feeney.
“The parade went fantastic,” Feeney said. “We were a hit! I’d say we’re one of the biggest parades in the area right now.”
She thanked fire police from around the area for their help, as well as those from Sugarcreek, Saxonburg, Washington Township and East Franklin Township. She also thanked Carnival Chairperson Terry Smith and her assistant, Dave Toy.
“There’s a lot of work people don’t realize,” Feeney said.
Feeney, who hopes Worthington attends Saxonburg’s parade at the end of July, estimated the furthest apparatus came from Rural Valley.
Winners included:
Best Appearing Rescue: Pine Township/Templeton
Best Appearing Heavy Rescue, 1000GMW and up: East Butler
Best Appearing Light Pumper under 1000GMW: Gilpin
Best Appearing Aerial: Manor Township
Best Appearing Ladder or Tower: Saxonburg
Best Appearing Tanker: Buffalo Township
Best Appearing Brush: South Buffalo Township
Best Appearing Mini: South Buffalo Township
Best Appearing Ambulance: Saxonburg
All three men also stayed for the carnival and to hear Worthington’s Charee White sing country music after choosing the winners.
In addition to the fire crews, several vehicles containing local baseball and softball teams, local elected officials and businesses rode along the street - and four marching bands played music or danced for onlookers, too.
Those groups – Stars Akadamie of Freeport, Stars Drill Team of Shippenville, the Kittanning Firemen’s Band and the Armstrong Senior High River Hawks Marching Band – all received a cash allotment.
The Armstrong River Hawks Marching Band played along the parade route, and was the only high school marching band in the parade last night. They also received a cash gift for their participation in full uniform.
Local News | jweaver July 1, 2016
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