On October 12th, they held an Open House at Station 2. Visitors were offered tours of the firehouse, children could get their faces painted and guests could have their picture taken with Annabelle, the antique fire truck. There were many opportunities to learn about kitchen safety and some of the services that the Fire Department offers.
On Saturday, October 19th, a double header! In the morning, Main Street in Historic Ellicott City was closed for the ECVFD Parade! It was an amazing display of thanks and appreciation for our brave fire fighters.
There were many awesome aspects to this parade. Over 20 trucks from surrounding fire departments, high school bands, political figures, business professionals, children’s organizations were some of the participants that the crowds were able to enjoy. To honor Howard County General Hospital’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, PGFD attended the parade with their cool pink fire truck.
A very special thank you to the following for participating in the parade:
Courtney Watson, Senator James Robey, Senator Allan and Robin Kittleman, Maryland State’s Attorney, Dario Broccolino, Creig Northrop, John Meitl, former Chief John Klein, Howard County General Hospital, St. John’s Parish Day School, Bill’s Towing, Classic Plastic Bricks (Lego-Man), Howard High School ROTC, Elkridge Juniors, and the DFRS Color Guard. Everyone enjoyed music courtesy of the talented Mt. Hebron High School marching band, Howard High School’s marching band, Patapsco Middle School, Hollifield Station Elementary School, the Pipe and Drum Band. It was great to see Enchanted Parties handing out balloons and even a Stilt Walker, Laura Woodard, was present!
Hope you enjoy this video of the ECVFD Parade:
That evening, The Fire and Ice Gala, was held at The Armory and it was a huge success. The evening proved to be an amazing time to celebrate the men and women who work so hard to save lives. Over $75,000 worth of silent and live auctions items were donated by area businesses! Carrabba’s Italian Grill provided a delicious dinner and a DJ played favorite tunes for all to enjoy!
Many people worked hard to make these events a success. Michelle Wildman, an UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE event planner was asked to join forces with the ECVFD and bring her expertise to the events. She and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that these events were fun and successful.
The other person that needs special thanks in John Meitl. Here’s what Michelle had to say about John. “There’s one VERY important person who deserves to be thanked – his name is John Meitl. As President of the Board of Directors for the ECVFD, he was the mastermind behind the Parade and Gala. He’s worked tirelessly since July to promote these events, while raising awareness and collecting donations at the same time; thereby earning himself the nickname Mighty Meitl! We couldn’t have done this without his energy and enthusiasm!”
Again, thank you to everyone that participated in the parade, who attended the Fire and Ice Gala, who gave of their time to help these events be successful, to all of the generous businesses that donated products and services and to all of our firefighters that risk their lives to save others and to the families of our firefighters. We appreciate you all!
Here, in front of the Fire House museum, excitement grew with anticipation of the parade. The Fire House Museum (yellow building in the foreground), built in 1889, was Howard County’s first fire station! Years later, they moved up the street in a location next to Ellicott Mills Brewing Company and then later to the location that The Wine Bin occupies. You can read more info about their history by clicking here.
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And the parade begins…..
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Courtney Watson waves to the crowds as the parade begins. Craig Ralston, Deputy Chief ECVFD drives their antique fire truck, “Annabelle”.
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An awesome site of the crowd at this family friendly event as the start of the parade heads down Main Street.
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John Meitl, President, Board of Directors for the Ellicott City Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
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Howard High School’s marching band was an awesome addition the the parade.
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Mt. Hebron’s very talented Marching band performed, including their flag and rifle teams.
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A symbol of firefighter’s strength, values, and brotherhood, The Fire Brigade of Greater Baltimore was a great part of the musical talent marching down Historic Ellicott City’s Main Street.
Immediately following the parade, Joseph Mancifield Fuller, Howard County’s first African American Volunteer Firefighter, received an Executive Proclamation from the County. Courtney Watson and Howard County firefighters proudly pose with him.
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Craig Ralston, Deputy Chief ECVFD stands next to Annebelle, their beautiful antique fire truck!
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A staple on Main Street, Barry, “Bubble Man” always has a smile to brighten your day. His store, Forget Me Not Factory, three floors of pure whimsy and awesome gifts will delight you every time you step in to their magical world!
I’d like to thank my friend and collegue, Anne Looney for working with me to help cover another perspective of this awesome event. In addition, thank you, Donna Detweiler, for allowing me to grab a few of your photos to include in the slideshow. Ladies, thank you so much, I truly appreciate your time and your efforts! 🙂
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