PARSONS – Each year members of the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department work and train so they are ready to help visitors and residents in emergency situations through the year.
Each May the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual Homecoming Fair – an event where residents, visitors and their families can come out and celebrate, have fun and help raise needed funds for the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department. Homecoming Fair events were on May 6 and May 10 to 13.
This year, Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kevin White said the weather tried to wreak havoc on events, but supporters did not let a little wet weather spoil their good time.
“It’s been a great week. The Poker Run was well-received but we had some inclement weather,” White said. “We have had rain and cold off and on all week.”
White said the fifth Annual Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Homecoming Fair Poker Run was a great event with many participants.
“The Ladies Auxiliary takes charge of this event and they did really well,” he said. “The community was great to come out and support the Poker Run.”
White said folks had fun riding rides on the midway, playing games and participating in the bingo in the streets.
“There was a huge turnout Wednesday night because of the great weather,” he said. “The entertainment on the downtown stage has been well received.”
Those who were scheduled to participate on the downtown stage included Rocky and Nina Hebb, gospel performances by the Sonbeams, Holly Ash and Joyful Noise, the Bad Habit Band and Allis with Jerry Marsh. Along with amusement foods, folks flocked to get their famous Kiwanis corndogs.
A children’s parade on Thursday brought in many entries and on Saturday afternoon, fire departments had time for friendly competition during the Fireman’s Water Battle. First place winners in the water battle were the Leading Creek Volunteer Fire Department, second place went to the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department and third place went to the Leading Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
Winners in the Parade include civic entry winner the Tucker County Veterans, winner in the twirlettes went to the Strutters Baton Corps., Hambleton United Methodist Church won in the church category and the winner of the business division went to Patriots 4.
Fire Company winners in the parade include best appearing rescue apparatus, Thomas Volunteer Fire Department; best appearing pumper truck, Coalton Volunteer Fire Department; best appearing tanker truck, Junior Volunteer Fire Department; oldest apparatus, Buckhannon Volunteer Fire Department; department who traveled the longest distance, Marlinton Volunteer Fire Department; best appearing specialty apparatus, Newburg Volunteer Fire Department; and Chief’s Choice, Leading Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
“We want to thank everyone who helped make this a great event,” White said.