June 13, 2010

Festival another success, despite rain

      The eighteenth annual Strawberry Festival is now in the books and despite the hot, humid, and occasionally rainy weather, the event garnered a respectfully significant attendance.  The two-day festival is put on each year to afford residents an opportunity to see some of the equipment and technology the department has to offer.  It also allows individuals to ask questions and interact with firefighters and paramedics in a fun and engaging atmosphere.  And of course there was plenty of food to go around as well.  Rib-eye steak sandwiches, corn on the cob, and the department's signature Strawberry Shortcake dessert were in plentiful supply.

        Although many of the scheduled events such as the hot air balloon rides and fireworks were rained out, the rest of the festival went as planned with various shows and displays put on by the department.   Included on display were static fire apparatus, the Johnson County Emergency Command Unit, and antique automobiles.  The Mid-State Amateur Radio Club HAM radio operators, the Department of Natural Resources, Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, and a Blood Drive by the Central Indiana Blood Center were some of the other vendors on site with displays.  The 2nd Annual Blaze the Trail 5K Run/Walk took place on Saturday morning and although the weather was a little damp, the event was another success.  The first place winner in the males category was Mark Baranko, with a finish time of 17:56, and the first place winner in the females category was Cindy Harris, with a finish time of 21:32.  For complete results and other information regarding the 5K, click HERE.

        Saturday evening's weather sparked a tornado warning in the area after several people reported seeing a funnel cloud a few miles away.  All of the festival patrons that were on site at the time were rushed into the school building for shelter.  Fortunately, the storm passed with no damage or injuries as the tornado never fully materialized.  After about thirty minutes, the weather service declared the area safe and patrons were allowed to leave.  Rain and storms are definitely not something new for the festival.  In fact, it has rained on all but two of the weekends in the event's eighteen year history.

         Although the weekend was an overall success, it could not have been possible without the generous donations of time, money, and supplies by the many individuals, vendors, and other companies who participated.  A very special thanks goes to the Center Grove School Corporation for the use of the school.  The entire festival is paid for by revenues charged for the food items along with donations.  Any surplus generated is placed back into the next year's event either through new equipment purchases or additional entertainment
 

           

           

           

           

           
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