Ladder Throwing, New Book on Tap at BAVFC Anniversary

Dozens of firetrucks and firefighters will head into town Saturday to celebrate the 125-year anniversary of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

Among the special guests: a monster fire truck named Backdraft.

The official 125th anniversary event at the fire station on Hickory Avenue starts at approximately 10 a.m. and will run to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29.

A car show featuring fire apparatus, competitions pitting firefighters from different companies against one another, a “firematic” flea market, public safety information and food vendors will be on tap.

Before things get rolling at the fire station, a 5K for the fire company’s new scholarship fund takes off at 8 a.m. on the MA and PA Trail. Details are here.

After the sun rises, a bevy of fire equipment will roll into the public parking lot across from the Hickory Avenue firehouse. Trucks are coming from every company in Harford County, West Virginia, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and possibly Illinois, according to Joe Rutherford, exemplary lifetime member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

A monster fire truck has RSVPd from Delta, Pa., said Rutherford, who added: “It’s pretty immense.”

All the vehicles and firefighters will come together for a “muster,” which Rutherford described as a “fun competition between some of our firefighters and other firefighters.”

Judges from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association will judge the firetrucks at 3 p.m. and present awards to the most notable antique vehicles.

In addition, the muster incorporates a combat competition, including “hose drags, ladder throwing and individual skill competitions,” Rutherford said.

And the competition will really heat up during a chili cook-off to determine which fire company in Harford County makes the best bowl. A panel of judges will make the call.

Throughout the day, a “firematic” flea market will be set up inside the firehouse featuring things like fire hose nozzles as well as toys. A hot-off-the-presses book detailing the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 125-year history will be for sale for $30, written by Rutherford.

Food will be on tap near the engine bays, where vehicles have been cleared out so people can sit and grab a bite at tables. Buontempo Brothers; pit beef, pit ham, pit turkey and crab cake vendors; the Main Street Oyster House; and Kona Ice will be among those offering edibles.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office will also be at the event with a community outreach trailer to provide safety presentations and activities for children and parents, according to Rutherford.

Know Before You Go

Admission to the event is free.

Hickory Avenue will be closed from Route 22 to Courtland Street during Saturday’s festivities. Parking is in the public garages. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot behind the fire station on Hickory Avenue.

The event runs from approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, 109 South Hickory Avenue. A 5K starts at the MA and PA Trail at 8 a.m. The flea market and engines will be set up at the firehouse by 10 a.m. A firefighter combat competition will take place at noon. Judging of fire apparatus starts at noon, and awards will be announced at 3 p.m.

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