York Town News
The 43rd M.S.F.F.F. Convention promises even more than a parade
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK BEACH - When the York Beach Fire Department hosts the 43rd Annual Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters Convention next week, residents will have a rare chance to see the best fire fighting equipment Maine has to offer, and to meet those who serve.That is because this conference is more than a meeting of the minds in the fire service. The three-day event will feature a parade of firefighting apparatus from departments across the state, muster games, entertainment, a dance and even an antique show.
York Beach Fire Capt. Mark Gay, who is once again serving as Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters Convention chairman, said the list of which departments will be in town is growing daily as the Sept. 15 start of the event approaches.
"I get calls every day on this," Gay said. "It's open to the whole state. There are over 400 departments in the state, but not all of them will be there, of course."
Among the area department that had signed on to participate as of late last week were the York Fire Department as well as Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit and Kennebunk, and, of course, the York Beach Fire Department as this year's host.
"It's not very often it's down this end of the state," Gay said of the annual convention, explaining the federation likes to vary the location to make the event accessible to more departments.
The last time the York Beach Fire Department hosted the convention was back in 1995.
"We've known for two years," Gay said of the planning that has gone into this year's event.
Although there will be events held strictly for fire fighters and federation members, there will also be many opportunities for the public to participate - including as audience members for the parade and muster.
"They're welcome to walk through the vendor area," Gay added, noting vendors will be set up at York High School throughout the convention.
The event will begin with a meeting for the federation's board of directors at the York Beach Fire Department on Thursday, Sept. 14.
On Friday, Sept. 15, registration will be ongoing throughout the day, first at the York Beach Fire Department and then, when school closes for the day, at York High School.
Antique judging will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the York Beach Fire Department on Friday and from 8 until about 10 a.m. at York High School on Saturday.
Registration continues on Saturday, Sept. 16, at York High School, where the parade will also line up before departing at 11 a.m.
"The biggest thing is the parade on Saturday," Gay said, adding it is important for residents to know that a parade of these proportions will require a diversion of traffic in the area of York Beach. "This will be an excellent place to see some of the finest apparatus, both antique and in service, that there is in the state."
The parade will depart from York High School along Webber Road and head to Long Beach Avenue, going to the York Beach square and ending on Ridge Road.
Gay said it is important for those who are living or visiting in the area of the Nubble to know that once the parade is underway - any time from 11 a.m. on - they will be unable travel out of the area until it is over.
"The parade could last up to two hours or more, depending on how many units are in it," he explained, adding that in addition to the many fire trucks, such marching units as color guards and bands are also expected. "If you have an emergency and have to get through, please go to Church Street Extension and Long Beach Avenue and someone will get you through via Church Street to Ridge Road. This will be the only way off the Nubble."
Following the parade, the vendors at York High School will remain open until 4 p.m. That evening, a banquet, award presentation and dance is scheduled at Foster's Downeast Clambake.
The festivities will continue on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. until noon, with vendors, a muster and award presentations at York High School
For more on this special event, visit the York Beach Fire Department's website at www.ybfire.org or call 363-1014.
