Freeport community shows up for fire safety, shopping events in business district

Freeport Volunteer Fire Department Lt. Josh James donned his gear, grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out a controlled burn outside the station along Market Street.

He received congratulations from local Cub Scouts and hugs from other children for his efforts in demonstrating fire safety at one of two community events Tuesday evening in Freeport.

Firefighters hosted an open house and touch-a-truck for a few hours starting around 5 p.m. with at least 60 people stopping by. Children were allowed to climb in, out and around two of the engines and try on some of the firefighters’ gear.

Free hot dogs and beverages, as well a literature on how to make an emergency escape plan were provided.

The fire department event kicked off an hour before a separate event called Mingle Off Market, a gathering of borough shops and local vendors offering specials and extended hours in order to draw more foot traffic to Freeport’s business district.

“I would call our first event here a success,” said borough Fire Marshal Michael Greiser. “I think this will be a staple every October. It was nice to open the station up, and the response from the community definitely tells me that this is something that should continue.”

Resident Renae Ruppersberger brought her son, Jaxon, 9, to meet the first responders.

“I think it’s good,” she said. “It gets them familiarized with the company and the fire trucks so that they’re not scared if a fire does actually happen. I think it’s good to tie in all the community together.”

Jaxson said he is not sure if he’ll join the department when he grows up, but he did like seeing all the firetrucks.

Buffalo Township resident Lori Osche, a den leader of Cub Scout Pack 557, brought her grandson, Jonathan, 8, and several of her Cub Scouts to learn about fire safety. “They were awesome and they loved it, and they did learn,” Osche said. “Last week in school (at Buffalo Elementary) was fire safety week,” Osche said. “It kind of fell all together because they got to learn what they did at school and then come here and experience fire trucks and putting a fire out.”

Jonathan said he learned it’s important to check on other siblings and to call 911 if there is an emergency.

Mingling

Close to a dozen businesses participated in the inaugural Mingle Off Market — which was organized in about a week.

Among the organizers were Brandi and Alan Kepple of South Buffalo. The couple owns The Mercantile along Fifth Street.

“I think people are excited to have something going on in Freeport,” Brandi Kepple said.

She couldn’t estimate how many people stopped by the shop Tuesday, but said they were steadily busy throughout the night.

“People seem appreciative (of the event),” Alan Kepple said. “People like to see stuff happening here.”

Linda Miller of Vandergrift-based Constant Cravings Bakery and Catering set up a table outside The Mercantile. She said she brought batches of cookies, cinnamon rolls and other goods to the Freeport business the past few weeks and everything has sold out each weekend.

“It’s been great,” Miller said of her Freeport experiences. “It’s such a pretty town. They’re new, plus I just started.”

The Freeport Renaissance Association handed out medallions featuring the borough seal and had a 50/50 raffle to support a community garden project.

Resident Bill Girardi and his friend Bridget Fogarty of Buffalo Township stopped by several participating vendors.

“I think there’s a nice crowd for the first time because, in the evenings, Freeport is generally quiet because none of the stores are open,” Girardi said. “It’s nice to see people here kind of exploring things and interested in seeing what’s going on.”

Fogarty also walked her dog, Olivia, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu. She made friends with some children and fellow canines along the way.

Fogarty said they had a fun time in the borough.

“I just wanted to see what the local businesses had to offer,” Fogarty said. “I’m happy about all the new stores. I’m happy people are out.”

Rai’s Spa employees offered chair massages. The spa recently opened and specializes in a variety of skin care services.

“We’re slammed out there doing the massages,” said owner Ashley Rai DiMond of South Buffalo . “It’s great. Much more than what I expected (as far as) the turnout. This is kind of like the test to see how we do.”

DiMond said she was a part of the event planning, and the goal is to add food trucks and other activities at future markets.

Lock 5 Tavern along Fifth Street featured birria tacos. They consists of shredded beef, seasoning, mozzarella, onions, cilantro and dipping oil wrapped in a soft taco shell.