June 17-19 — WEST PAWLET —West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 75 years of saving buildings and lives. In 1947, 12 men organized a fire squad, trained together and fought fires in West Pawlet and bordering villages in Vermont and New York.
Friday, June 17 kicks off the festivities with a 1947-style Firehouse Hoe Down fast forwarded to 2022. What’s that exactly? It’s an evening of dancing and camaraderie from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the West Pawlet Fire House located on Route 153 in the center of West Pawlet Village. Music will be provided by DJ Krystal Krystal. Non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments will be available for sale; those over 21 years of age may BYOB. Admission is $5.
Saturday, June 18 changes 1947 Fire House Bingo into a Las Vegas-style casino night. Games will begin in the Fire House at 6 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. followed by a raffle for prizes donated by area businesses. Refreshments will be available for sale and again for those over 21 can BYOB.
Admission for this event is $20 for the first $125 in chips; more chips will be offered at a discounted price.
Sunday, June 19, Father’s Day, offers a 1947 Firemen’s Parade fast forwarded into a 2022 Firemen’s Parade. Interesting vehicles and people will wind their way down Route 153 from Bob Jones’ Farm, through Spruce Gum and into the Village; in many ways the little town is just like it was in 1947 with farms, slate quarries and village homes. Pull up a chair, sit on a fence, wave to the marchers and cheer them on. Passing the World War I Memorial in the center of the village, the parade will end at the West Pawlet Fire House. After the parade, there will be food, music, games, bounce house and a saw dust pile!
The founding team of West Pawlet firefighters were Lawrence Beecher, Edward Connors, James Cramer, George Folger, Robert Godette, Allen Lyng, Charles Morris, Camillus “Mickey” Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Jack “Boss” Roberts, Romayn “Babe” Winn, and Otis Woodard. Families of these men are invited to march in the parade in their memory.
For more information or to put an entry in the parade, contact Craig Watrous, Sr. at: wpvfd_58@yahoo.com.
