Fire-apparatus Fans Burn to See Muster Wq
From:http://www.apparatus-instrument.com/
Tag:Fire-apparatus,gas mileage,single digits,fire engines
Although antique fire apparatus usually gets gas mileage in the single digits, 82 old fire engines, ladder trucks and other pieces will participate in the 33rd annual Pennsylvania Pump Primers Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster Saturday.
The free event, which celebrates the heritage of the fire service, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Riverfront Park across from Harrisburg Hospital. The muster, a gathering of antique firefighting apparatus, includes a parade, firefighters' competitions and firefighters' flea market.
"The high cost of gas hasn't hurt our muster a bit," said Cal Little, muster chairman. "The love of antique fire trucks gets in the blood and it stays there. People into fire trucks have said they don't care if gas costs $10 a gallon, they'll be out with their fire trucks."
Little said fire apparatus of yesteryear often gets 3 to 4 miles to the gallon.
"A good one gets 6 to 8 miles per gallon," he said. "I thought our registration numbers would be off this year, but they aren't. Gas prices aren't keeping people away."
The muster will begin at 10 a.m. with a parade of antique fire apparatus from the state Farm Show Complex to Maclay Street to Riverfront Park. The opening ceremonies will be followed by mass pumping, a fastest water contest, barrel spin contest, bucket brigade contest and barrel bust contest.
Rides in an aerial fire truck, firefighter games for children and a firefighters' flea market will take place throughout the day. Refreshments will be sold.
Awards for contest winners and such categories as contestants' favorite, oldest motorized and the hard-luck award will be presented at 3 p.m.
Two pre-muster events will be held Friday in the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in the historic Reily Hose Company firehouse at 1820 N. Fourth St. A tea party will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a firefighters' hospitality night from 7 to 9 p.m.
The muster generally attracts entries from several states and about 2,000 firefighting buffs. The muster started in 1975, when charter Pennsylvania Pump Primers members brought 22 pieces of antique fire apparatus to Riverfront Park, parked their rigs by the river, pumped and enjoyed refreshments. Later, games for firefighters and children and a firefighters' flea market were added.
MARY KLAUS: 255-8113 or mklaus@patriot-news.com
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From:http://www.apparatus-instrument.com/
Tag:Fire-apparatus,gas mileage,single digits,fire engines
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