Til Next Year

With "bombs" bursting in air it was over seemingly before it barely got started. They say time flies when you're having fun and from what I saw Saturday most of those firemen were having fun doing things that were not life threatening and others were just enjoying themselves. They started with the parade which was impressive and loud. Two year old Nicholas, pictured above, came all the way from Silver Spring, MD, for his aunt's graduation and really enjoyed all the "trucks" as part of the trip. He just loves trucks. His dad was beginning to have problems holding up his shorts with all the candy that Nick and his sister gathered.

Following the parade there was the tug-of-war and water barrell contest between the different volunteer fire companies. Highlandtown took home the winning plaques in both events. From what I saw the men from the ville have to get serious with physical training to beef up their teams! Maybe they were being gracious hosts, do you think?

The weather played havoc with the festival Thursday & Friday with rain & thunder storms. They were forced to close early both nights. Saturday looked like the big day with crowds enjoying just about everything. Our four year old granddaughter Alexandra said she liked the "swings that go round-and-round!" best of all. I spoiled my supper with those french fries.

The festival was capped off with the return of a fireworks show Saturday. Tried to capture some of them as shown above. Need some work for that kind of photography. The missus & I thought we had a "unique" spot on the hillside to see them. When we got there at 9:20 for the 10 o'clock show we found out that 20 - 30 other people had the same idea. This was the first time for fireworks since they were forced out of the 13th Street ball park.

Winners for the parade categories were: Best Float - WHS Alumni Lip Sync, Best Children's Entry - Sassy Shakers, Best Pumper - Titonsville VFD, Best Tanker - Negley, Best Aerial Truck (pictured) - Calcutta, Best Rescue Vehicle - Highlandtown, Best Brush Fighter - Irondale and Best Antique - Lowellville. Lowellville also took home the Longest Distance Traveled & the Chief's Choice trophies. The J. Herman Heiny award, that is dedicated to all volunteers that have ever served, went to Glenmore. Congratulations to all the winners & thanks to all for making the annual parade something special.

The Wellsville VFD fireman's carnival has long been a ville tradition. From reminiscing to the days of my younger years to this year's was thoroughly enjoyable for me. When my son told us he was coming in for the graduation he remarked "I don't care what's planned for Saturday I'm taking the kids to that parade & carnival." He was reminiscing too. Even Karenna got here all the way from Atlanta. If you're blessed to be a ville native the festival is just something that gets in your blood. It's something to look forward to til this time next year.

ole nib