Fayette County firefighters gather for convention

The week-long event begins today with a Battle of the Barrel.

The Washington Township Volunteer Fire Co. and Fayette City VFD spent Friday evening preparing for today’s start of the 86th annual Fayette County Firefighters Convention.

Under the sunny 90-degree skies, members of both fire departments were carrying boxes and putting up banners to prepare for the convention at the Washington Township VFC property in Belle Vernon.

“The last three nights, we’ve set the hall up for the banquet,” Fayette City VFD fire Chief Jim Eley said. “Last night, we got all the tents out, and all the cooking stuff. And tonight, we’re just putting the finishing touches on everything, so we’re ready to go in the morning.”

The convention begins at noon with its signature event, the Battle of the Barrel. Eley expects up to 25 teams to participate in the event.

At 3 p.m. today, they will host a cornhole tournament, which both the fire department and members of the public can participate in.

Sign-ups begin at 2 p.m. for anyone who wants to participate, and there is an entry fee of $20 per team.

Food and drink vendors will be plentiful at all of today’s events.

Eley urged the public to attend the festival and cheer them on during the festival events.

“We encourage them to come out to watch and participate and support us guys,” Eley said. “When there’s an emergency, these are the faces you’re going to see in the commu- nity, so come out and get familiar with us.”

Josh Rozik, fire chief of Washington Twp VFC, said he hopes for a good turnout for the convention and looks forward to seeing community members.

“We’re very excited, I hope we get a good turnout, I know the weather is supposed to be hot, but I hope a lot of people come,” Rozik said.

The convention will last through July 20, with an event taking place every day.

Another signature event during the convention is the Classic Car Show, which is set for 5:30 p.m. July 19 in the Washington Township Fire Co. parking lot.

There’s a $5 entry fee for the car show, and prizes will be awarded. Cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique fire apparatus are all welcome.

Other events listed for the convention are:

• Memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday.

• Past Presidents Banquet, with hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m. Sunday and dinner at 6 p.m.

• Tug of war and truck pulls at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

• Bucket brigade and kids bucket brigade at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

• Firefighter challenge, kids Battle of the Barrel and kids night at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

• Gear scramble and forcible entry at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

• Parade at 4 p.m. July 20. There will be food, drinks and game booths beginning at 5:30 p.m. every day.