Two free family friendly events are planned back-to-back on Saturday for a full day of fun in Herculaneum: the Jefferson County Fire Engine Rally and the Herculaneum Fall Festival.
Chris Baker, president of the Jefferson County Firefighters Association, said the 32nd annual Jefferson County Fire Engine Rally 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 William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave., in Herculaneum.
The parade’s grand marshal will be Charles Hill, who was chosen to honor his career after retiring from Rock Community Fire Protection District, Baker said.
The parade will feature apparatus from historic trucks from the 1930s and 1940s all the way up to brand new trucks, Baker said. Participants will come not only from fire departments in Jefferson County, but from surrounding counties as well.
Baker said the rally will commence with opening ceremonies once the parade reaches the park at about 10 a.m.
The rally will include 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 children’s scavenger hunt at 11 a.m. for the first 30 children who register; a live side-by-side sprinkler suppression demonstration at 11:30 a.m.; a rope rescue demonstration by Muddy River Training at 12:30 p.m.; and apparatus awards will be given at 1:30 p.m. in categories such as farthest travel, best pumper and best ladder. The rally will close about 2 p.m.
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.
Food and drink trucks will be on-site throughout the day, including Hogz in Da Hood BBQ, La Pachanga, BYOB Coffee & Dirty Soda, Daily Squeeze Fresh Lemonade, Engine House Kettle Corn Co., and Sips & Co. The Hangry Hub will be available during the fall festival only.
Baker said a large number of 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 or for $5 after 6 p.m.
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. Kade’s Playground and the Bay of Naples Splash Zone will be open throughout both events.
“Everybody’s welcome to hang out the whole day. Food trucks will be there. The Splash Zone and Kade’s Playground will be open,” Baker sad.
Baker, who’s also a Herculaneum Ward 2 alderman, said the second Herculaneum Fall Festival will kick off at 4 p.m.
The Amvets will begin serving beverages at a beer garden at 4:30 p.m.
Baker said the festival will feature live music by two variety cover groups that play a mixture of rock and country music starting with Kevin Merseal and the Good Medicine at 5 p.m. followed by Blackwell Station until the end of the festival at 9 p.m.
Baker said Joachim Avenue in front of the park will be closed during the event. Attendees may get to the park using Scenic Drive, which is the next street north of Joachim Avenue when driving on Hwy 61-67, and then they may park in the lots by Kade’s Playground, the ballfields, across the Joachim Creek at the boat ramp or at the high school.
Baker said to watch for updates on the city of Herculaneum’s Facebook page or call the city at 636-475-4447 for more information.