Chatham-Kent’s mayor is singing the praises of Fire Fest.
Randy Hope says it’s about more than just looking at old fire trucks, it’s about inspiring future generations.
“Every boy always wanted a fire truck,” Hope says, “But now it’s different, they’re not talking so much about fire trucks, they’re talking about the aspiration of being a fireman, they talk about the medic services, it all of a sudden is shaking a different thought process in a young person’s head.”
Hope says more and more women are getting involved in emergency services as well, appealing to a wider range of visitors.
“It’s innovative ones like this that are now starting to look at the diversity of individuals, so that mom feels happy about coming, the daughter will feel happy about coming, and that’s the difference,” Hope says. “That sends a whole new message out, it makes it fun.”
As many as 15,000 people took in the sixth annual event in downtown Chatham this past weekend, with almost 70 antique fire trucks and emergency vehicles on display and several interactive exhibits and activities.
