Fire department plans centennial celebration June 7

The Mountain Home Fire Department's centennial celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7.

It's a day that took 100 years to get to and the fire department is going to make it last all day.

At 11 a.m., a parade of antique and new fire trucks will begin at Fire Station #1, 220 South 2nd East Street.

The parade will go down 2nd East Street, turn around at Albertson's, and come down Main Street.

Johnny Wilson, the oldest living former member of the fire department, will be the parade's grand marshal.

All current or former members of the department are invited to walk behind his float, which will feature the town's 15 oldest former members of the department.

At noon, firefighter Alan Bermensolo will begin the opening ceremony at the fire station, which will feature fireworks and the town's original siren used to alert firemen of a fire.

Throughout the day, there will be firefighter competitions, family activities and public competitions at Fire Station #1.

Firefighters from across the state and Nevada will compete for trophies in various events, including a hose-laying competition, gurney race and a barrel tug-of-war. In addition, a number of static displays will be set up, several skills demonstrations will be held during the day, and Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog will be on hand for the kids.

Firefighter Chris Corbus is encouraging the community to come out and enjoy the dunk tank, water games and other kid-friendly events that also will be available.

There will be food vendors and a beer garden at the Stockyard.

A rescue demonstration begins at 3 p.m.

The Jeff Palmer Band will play during a street dance held in front of the Stockyard from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Before and during the event, the fire department will close streets in a one-block radius around Fire Station #1.

South 2nd East Street will be closed Friday at noon to prepare for the event. East 2nd South Street will close at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Both streets will reopen Sunday morning.

The day-long celebration is sponsored by Sun View Dairy, LLC, TLK Dairy Inc. and Edward Oppedyk Dairy, LLP.

Corbus said the event would not have happened without their support.