The city of Herculaneum will play host to two large free events on Sept. 27 at William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave.
The 31st annual Jeffco Fire Engine Rally and newly created Herculaneum Fall Festival will provide attendees with a day full of free entertainment, said Chris Baker, president of the Jefferson County Firefighters Association.
Baker, who’s also a Ward 2 Alderman, said the day will kick off with a parade of firetrucks and other emergency vehicles starting at 9 a.m. at St. Pius X High School, 1030 St. Pius Drive, in Crystal City, and proceed northward on Hwy. 61-67 to the park grounds.
The parade’s co-grand marshals will be Chuck and Kathy Kneff of Festus. Baker said the couple was chosen because of their support for the rally over the years and because of Chuck’s experience in the fire service.
“They supported the rally from the beginning. They gave money for plaques and helped out financially supporting the rally. They were always a big supporter of the rally,” Baker said. “Chuck was in the fire service. He is a retired mechanic from Rock (Community Fire Protection District) and Mehlville (Fire Protection District). He owned his own rescue repair company, which serviced vehicles throughout the county and the St. Louis area.”
Between 50 and 75 vehicles participate every year, although last year’s participation and attendance were down because of inclement weather, Baker said.
He said participants who want to show off their historic trucks in the parade come from all over Jefferson County and beyond.
Once the parade reaches the park at about 10 a.m., the rally will commence with opening ceremonies, including honors for people associated with local firefighting efforts through the years and those who have died since the last rally was held.
Baker said awards will be given for Firefighter of the Year, Fire Chief Officer of the Year, EMS Department of the Year, EMS Chief Officer of the Year and Paramedic of the Year.
After the opening ceremonies, an air rescue helicopter from ARCH Air Medical is scheduled to arrive around 10:45 a.m., followed by a Dalmatian show at 11 a.m., a sprinkler suppression demonstration at 11:30 a.m., a children’s scavenger hunt at noon for the first 30 children who register and apparatus awards at 1:30 p.m. The rally will close at about 2 p.m.
Baker said those who want to participate in the Dalmatian show or the scavenger hunt will need to register at the command tent near the stage. The Dalmatian show will have awards for largest and smallest Dalmatian, most and fewest spots, best dressed and best trick.
He said the rally will finish with vehicle awards, such as farthest travel, best pumper and best ladder.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to get close-up views of firetrucks and emergency medical services vehicles and to visit different vendor booths. In addition, food trucks will be on site. The Herculaneum Farmers Market will also be integrated into the rally.
Baker said the rally is not only an opportunity for attendees to have fun, but also can be a good time for anyone interested in a career in firefighting, EMS or policing to ask questions about how to get started and what training will be required.
Between eight and 10 bounce houses will be available for children throughout the rally and fall festival. He said armbands may be purchased for $10 for all day use at both events.
Fall Festival
The fall festival will kick off at 4 p.m.
Baker said that while the Fire Engine rally ends at about 2 p.m., attendees are welcome to stay between events to enjoy the bounce houses and vendors.
The Amvets will begin serving beverages at a beer garden at 4:30 p.m. The festival will also include music, food trucks, vendors and a free caricature artist and face painter.
Baker said the city planned to hold its first fall festival last year, but it was canceled due to inclement weather.
He said that while this is the city’s first fall festival, it most likely will not be the last.
“If it’s a success and everybody enjoys it, then we’ll continue it every year and make it bigger and better,” he said. “Come out and have fun.”
Baker said the festival will feature live music starting at 6 p.m. by The Generation Band, a country and rock cover band.
Food trucks will include Carl’s Kitchen, Living the Dream Ice Cream Truck, Hogz in Da Hood BBQ, Kona Ice and Stop and Go Taqueria.
Kade’s Playground and the Bay of Naples Splash Zone will be open throughout both events. It will be the last day of the season for the splash pad, which is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the spring and summer months.
Visit cityofherculaneum.gov or call 636-475-4447 for more information.