By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
In 2018, the Bergholz Volunteer Fire Company rang in its 100th anniversary. The celebration continues Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, at the firehall, 2470 Niagara Road, with the return of field days.
Fire Chief Brian Kroening was excited to announce the return of the event and said the company has two days of fun-filled events.
On Friday, Kroening said, there will be about five or six food trucks arriving around 5 p.m., with live music at 8 p.m. from Nerds Gone Wild. A beer tent will also provide beverages for cost.
On Saturday, the company will begin the day at 11 a.m. with their locally famous chowder sale. The food trucks will return at 3 p.m. and Kroening was proud to announce big plans for the fireman's parade at 4 p.m. Kroening said the parade route will be the same as the very first parade - starting down on Niagara Road, turning right on to Hunt Street, left on to Washington Street, left on to Rohr Street and finishing with a left turn back on to Niagara Road in front of the firehall.
"It's a weird feeling when you look back at pictures of the first parade and 100 years later we're doing the same route. It kind of makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck and gives you a cool feeling. It's an honor be a part of this and to see all of this," Kroening said.
For the rest of Saturday, following the parade, Kroening said several fire company bands from the area will perform in the beer tent, tentatively from 5-8 p.m. Following the performances, 90 West will finish the two-day affair with a show of its own.
There is no admission fee and the only costs are for the food trucks and beer tent.
The fire company went away with field days back in 2003, but Kroening said he felt it was important to bring them back for the 100th anniversary.
"About 18-20 months ago we mentioned it. We knew the 100th was coming up and I jumped on to this. I said, 'I will run this committee and do whatever to make this as memorable as possible.' That was my goal. I got a big committee and they all jumped on," Kroening said.
Kroening added that the field days are a true way for not only the public, but the Bergholz Fire Co. members to celebrate the milestone.
"We really want the members to celebrate the 100th anniversary. In years past, when we did field days, it was an all day job for our members and it was very strenuous. This year, we have the food trucks to supply food, we're operating the beer tent, but this gives everyone a chance to bring everyone out and enjoy the 100th," Kroening said.
For more information on the event or the Bergholz Volunteer Fire Co., visit the company's Facebook page, or call 731-4848.