Annual East Hants Fire Truck show set for June 16

EAST HANTS: It’s back!
The second annual East Hants Fire Truck show and shine is set to take place June 16, at Riverside Education Centre in support of Todd Sawler. A rain date of June 17 has been set.
Sawler, a Nine Mile River Volunteer firefighter and EHS paramedic, is organizing the event as a fundraiser for his team’s participation in the annual RONA Multiple Sclerosis Bike Tour, scheduled for later this summer.
The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a $3 admission fee being charged per person. All monies will go to the MS Society.
“We’re raising money for a good cause,” said Sawler. “I usually raise about $2,000 myself every year for our team.”
He said his plan is to build on the success of the 2011 event and hopefully make it bigger and better. Right now, he is sending out the word to fire departments in HRM Zone 3, East Hants, and Colchester County, to come out and bring a fire apparatus.
“I’m hoping to have more people come out and attend the event as there’s going to be a lot for them to see,” he said. “I raised about $1,200 last year between gate donations, admission, and the fire departments making donations. All of it helps.”
Among some of the things people will be able to do include seeing Sparky the fire mascot, there will be an RCMP Display, face painting, onsite clown, plus fire trucks from throughout the area which will be open for all to see and tour. He is hopeful of getting a Department of Natural Resources helicopter as part of the show too.
“I’m hoping to have some challenges pitting firefighters against each setup as well,” he said.
Sawler said with more advanced publicity and word-of-mouth, he hopes that will grow the attendance.
“With me letting people know more of it taking place, I’m hoping more people will come out and take it in,” he said. “I’m going to have it setup differently so that it may catch the eye of people more who are travelling on Highway 2.
“It’s a great event for the Father’s Day weekend, and people can come on out to check out the show and shine then head off to the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park and make a full day of it.”
He said he’s already put in his order with Mother Nature for good weather. If it is moved to June 17, because of rain, it will take place at the same location and same time.
Anyone who has the time should drop in to Riverside Education Centre on June 16, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the second annual fire truck show and shine in support of MS. Rain date is June 17.
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com