York Town News
YBFD to host state convention, parade and muster this weekend
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK BEACH - After literally years of work and planning, the 43rd Annual Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters Convention returns to town this week, to be hosted by the York Beach Fire Department.The three-day event will feature public events as well as special meetings and events for convention attendees.
For the community at large, offerings include a parade featuring fire departments from across the state as well as a muster and an antique show.
Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters Convention Chairman Mark Gay, who is a full-time captain with the York Beach Fire Department, said last week that he hopes residents will come out to see the parade and be a part of this special event, which has not been hosted by the department since 1995.
Annually, the convention moves to different parts of the state in order to involve as many departments as possible, Gay explained.
The event will begin with a meeting for the Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters board of directors at the York Beach station this Thursday, Sept. 14.
Then, on Friday, registration will be ongoing throughout the day the York Beach Fire Department and, after 3 p.m., at York High School.
Friday will also feature antique judging from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the station and from 8 a.m. until about 10 a.m., before the parade departs from York High School on Saturday.
The parade is scheduled to depart at 11 a.m. to follow a route through York Beach from Webber Road to Long Beach Avenue through York Beach Square to end on Ridge Road.
"This will be an excellent place to see some of the finest apparatus, both antique and in service, that there is in the state," Gay said.
For residents and visitors to the Nubble on Saturday, the York Beach Fire Department has published notification that after the parade departs at 11 a.m. traffic will be unable to pass through the area until the parade is over.
In case of emergency, Gay said motorists are asked to go to Church Street Extension and Long Beach Avenue, where a safety official will see that they are able to access Ridge Road through Church Street.
Refreshments will also be served at the event, including sausage subs from the York Lions Club on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The convention continues with more events Saturday evening and the muster at York High School on Sunday, Sept. 17, followed by award presentations.
For a full schedule of the weekend's events or for more information, visit the York Beach Fire Department's website at www.ybfire.org or call the station at 363-1014.
