FIREMATIC EVENT of the YEAR
FASNY Firemen’s Home 125th Anniversary Celebrations: Parade, Muster, Tours, Activities
for Quasquicentennial*
Firemen’s Association of the State of New York holding public celebration in Hudson, NY
(May 2017 – Hudson, NY) The 125th Anniversary of theFASNY Firemen’s Home will be celebrated with a colorful parade featuring rare fire apparatus, a muster and other activities May 20 -21, 2017.
The invitation-only parade, on the 21st, will consist of local fire departments and other fire companies from across New York and several other states, with marching bands, and muster participants and at least 113 fire trucks. Vintage fire trucks will be showcased, celebrating firefighting history and heritage to honor the 125th Anniversary of the Home. FASNY is partnering with the Hudson Fire Department’s 161st Annual Inspection Day Parade.
The parade’s antique apparatus are scheduled to step off at 9:30 a.m. and the rest of the parade begins to march at 10:00. The spectators’ Parade Route begins along the 700 block of Columbia Street, then will turn left at the Seventh Street Park to Warren Street. The route will parade past the FASNY Firemen’s Home, while Muster participants and apparatus will roll right out from the parade, into the Muster area for viewing on the Museum and Home grounds. The muster grounds open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The parade will proceed through the City of Hudson and culminate on the grounds of the FASNY Firemen’s Home. Hand-drawn apparatus will already be on the grounds, where the combustion engine apparatus will then join the muster day activities. There will be a ceremony commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the FASNY Firemen’s Home, with local and New York State dignitaries expected to attend.
The muster, which is planned to reappear as an annual event, consists of many activities: Fire engines will compete for trophies as a panel of judges evaluates their attributes during the muster; there are also planned demonstrations and competitions such as races and timed events that test firefighters’ skills and agility. Teams of five members compete to connect nozzles to hoses, hoses to hoses, and hoses to the fire hydrant, as well as knock down targets as quickly as possible. Competitions such as hose races improve basic firefighting skills as well as build camaraderie among participants.
One expected star of the competitions: the Owego Hose Team, known throughout New York State for their racing prowess and competing in firematic hose racing since 1951, has won a total of 23 Central New York firematic hose racing titles.
There will be a rare gold leaf demonstration by self-taught Master Gold Leaf Artist Frank Smith. With more than 30 years of experience, following in the tradition of the great gold leaf artists of the past, Smith’s work can be seen beautifying many venues, including the New York State Senate. Crafts activities are planned for the youngsters, including gold leaf craft, which will complement Frank Smith’s demonstration. (Gold leaf activities are subject to weather conditions).
Games - fun for all ages - will test visitors’ knowledge about firefighting and fire engines during the muster. For collectors, souvenir shoppers and the many ‘fire buffs’ expected to attend, at least a dozen vendors will sell an array of firematic, one-of-a-kind and vintage items. There will be a 50/50 raffle and Door Prizes every half-hour, each prize with a FASNY Museum canvas tote bag included.
The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is offering FREE admission for the day, with extra staff on-hand to answer questions. Special muster/anniversary items such as T-shirts and Challenge Coins will also be for sale in the Museum gift shop. Plentiful, delicious food and beverages will be available to buy throughout the day.
On May 19, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a special dedication of the new stained glass Caring Window and a Memorial Service at the FASNY Firemen’s Home. The Caring Window, a beautiful stained glass window, is being unveiled as part of the 125th Anniversary Celebration. It represents the dignity and pride of the fire service and demonstrates the FASNY Home’s caring for those who have served. The window, a magnificent piece of art, measures seven feet in diameter, with vibrant colors and images. The design is intended to convey inspiration and serenity for the residents.
On Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m., the formal FASNY Firemen’s Home 125th Anniversary Program will kick off with the sounding of the bagpipes and will proceed with the South Schodack Fire Department Color Guard’s Presentation of Colors, then the singing of the National Anthem and continue with Anniversary awards presentations to the FASNY Firemen’s Home and the unveiling of a 10-ft.-tall firefighters commemorative Granite Obelisk Stone.
With a parade the likes of this city has not seen in at least 25 years, a huge muster and amazing activities and demonstrations, this celebration is expected to be the firematic event of the year – or a lifetime!