April 23, 2000

Fruit fest for funds

       White River Fire Department officials are in the process of preparing for the township’s biggest fruit fest to fund firefighting technology.  Some 25,000 strawberry shortcakes will he served at the Seventh Annual Strawberry Festival, to be held June 16 and 17, at Sugar Grove Elementary, 4135 W. Smith Valley Road. In the past, the festival was used as a general fundraiser for the department and to increase community fire-safety awareness. This year, however, money raised will go toward purchasing life-saving equipment.  “We’re frying to raise funds for a thermal-imaging camera, which is about $15,000,” Division Chief Eric Brown explained. “At the same time, we’re trying to increase awareness of public safety.”  Many of the festival events will revolve around educational activities relating to fire safety. Fire engines and other apparatus will be available for display. Furthermore, Brown will be on hand to talk about fire prevention.  However, for the first time, the festival will feature a craft show. White River Township Fire Department officials currently are looking for area craft makers interested in showcasing their work. In fact, local vendors will have an opportunity to sell their work. Longaberger Baskets and other well-known items also will be sold. In addition to the craft show, pony rides will be part of the festival for the first time.  The event will kick off with a classic car show and sock hop. Participants are encouraged to wear classic 195O’s attire, such as poodle skirts, T-shirts and jeans. Indianapolis oldies station, Gold 104.5-FM, will be on hand with a live disc jockey to provide music.  Saturday will be Family Day, with many of the activities centered around children. Games, such as a Frisbee toss, will entertain the kids, while other festival attendants try to submerge local firefighters in the dunk tank.  “I’m looking forward to the dunk tank, especially if it is a hot day,” Brown said.  Members of Mc Axe and the Fire Crew from the Fishers (lnd.) Fire Department will perform fire-related songs to entertain festival goers Saturday evening. Participants also can enjoy a hog roast that evening.  As always, the festival will end with a fireworks display lighting up the summer sky.  In the photo below, White River Township firefighter Brian Griffith (inside the car) tries to remove Marian Hart (center) during a mock accident scene during last year’s Strawberry Festival.  Firefighters Mike Combs (left), and Tony Slusher aid Griffith in the rescue.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

           
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