SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – On Saturday, August 15, the 61st Schuylkill County Firefighters Convention concluded with a grand parade in Shenandoah. The Convention was hosted by the Polish American Fire Company #4 who is also celebrating 100 years of service to the community.

The morning began with parade registration held at the fire company at the intersection of Centre and West Streets. From there, participants moved to a judging station for each type of apparatus. The judging stations were spread throughout the borough.

After judging, crews staged their apparatus on East Centre Street and Herald Road. Participants then put the finishing touches on their apparatus and socialized with other companies. Some in the staging area set up tents and had cook-outs while others supported local organizations that were selling food and drinks in the area.

At 1:00 PM, the town’s Box Alarm was set off and the parade began. The parade traveled over two miles throughout the borough. Those watching the parade were treated to old and new apparatus, marching units, bands and floats. A judging station was set up in front of the Polish American Fire Company where judges could get a look at the entries in the line of march.

The parade ended on Herald Road and the after party began at Bicentennial Park. Party-goers could purchase Mugs and receive free beverages. Hot dogs and Mrs. T’s Pierogies were also available. A local band, Ghost County, set up and entertained hundreds while participants waited for the awards presentation.

At 6:00 PM, Polish American Captain Mike Wasko began to announce the awards given out to participants. Some notable winners included The Mahanoy City Fire Department (Best Overall Fire Department), Minersville Fire-Rescue (Best Overall Fire Company) and Klecknersville (Best Overall Fire Company – Out of County). After the awards, the apparatus pulled out of the staging area with lights on and sirens blaring – putting a close to the 2015 Convention. The 62nd Schuylkill County Firefighters Convention will be hosted by the Tremont Fire Company in September 2016.