Festival in the Park marks 100th year of Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company

A firefighter’s parade marking 100 years of service by the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company will kick off the annual Festival in the Park on June 25 at Blueberry Hill Park, located off of Nicholson Road.

The parade will begin at 4 p.m.

“The Firefighters Parade is intended to celebrate our 100th year of service in the form of a throwback to our annual Firefighters Carnival and Parades that occurred up until about 1990,” said Andy Nock, president of the Franklin Park VFC 158.

“We hope it will engage the imaginations of our younger residents to dream of being a firefighter one day, and encourage our public to stop by the fire truck displays at the Borough Festival in the Park following the parade,” he said.

This is also the 36th year for the festival, featuring food and family-friendly activities, according to Zachary Brower, recreation program director for the Borough of Franklin Park.

This year’s entertainment includes Haberman Magic, the musical duo Highclear of Pittsburgh, illusionist Dan Kuniak, and Pittsburgh musician Chris Jamison, according to Brower.

Also, present will be CDG Sports, a petting zoo, pony rides, and Ace Axe Throwing of Pittsburgh, as well as food trucks.

Fireworks by Pyrotechnico will begin at 9:30 p.m., according to Brower.

Dennis O’Keefe, who has been mayor in Franklin Park for 13 years, said it’s a great time for new and longtime residents to get together.

“We just love everyone to get together and enjoy each other and the festival makes this opportunity possible,” he said.

O’Keefe acknowledged the hard work of the police, the volunteer fire fighters and fire police, who provide services in all weather, at all hours.

“Before I became mayor, I didn’t have a good idea of what they do. They’re amazing,”he said.

Chief Walter Healy of the Franklin Police Department said their staff is always there to promote safety and fun.

“We are at the festival every year for security, traffic and to ensure everyone has a good time. We have a booth set up with several officers that hand out items to the kids. It is also a chance for the festival goers to meet the officers and ask questions,” Healy said.

Parking will be available at Blueberry Hill Park.

Police will help direct traffic after the fireworks as people exit onto Nicholson and Rochester roads so everyone gets out of the park safely, Healy said.

Nock also said he hopes the event may pull in a few more volunteers to join their company. Those attending the festival are welcome to speak to the VFC members about their service, the equipment and possibly think about joining the company, he said.

“We’re always looking for new members,” he said.

The Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company was officially incorporated on June 22, 1922, as the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of Franklin Township. It later adopted its present name.

The company began after a fire destroyed a local home in 1921, which prompted 18 residents to contribute as much as $50 each to start the fire company. Only a few months later, after another home was destroyed and more donations came in.

More information is available from www.franklinparkvfc158.org