Andy Close
SHEFFIELD, Pa. – The celebration that is the 59th annual Sheffield Fireman’s Festival continued on Friday, complete with the annual fireman’s water battle, ride-a-rama and plenty of good food.
The fireman’s water battle saw competitors from different fire departments in the region compete. A large bucket suspended from a rope lies in the middle, and the objective of each team is to use their respective fire hose to push the bucket to their opponent’s side.
“I don’t care how we finish, I just hope we have fun,” said Greg Goldinger of Penfield VFD, which finished fourth.”
A good time was had by all, along with a little bit of exhaustion, as Richburg (NY) ended up taking first place.
The battles lasted 90 seconds each, and toward the end, the competitors, even those in the best of shape, were feeling a bit tired.
“Haven’t you ever heard of a stopwatch,” Charles Shelley of Richburg quipped after a battle in the finals. “Seriously, though, everyone did a great job.”
Over across the street in Memorial Park, the rides were rolling as the smell of festival food filled the air, coupled with the voice of Gary Lane echoing through the crowd.
“We’ve got rides, we’ve got food and we’ve got plenty to eat,” Lane said. “It’s a beautiful night”
Several food vendors filled the area, with the Sheffield Lions Club serving food Italian Sausages and other items as well.
The event, which began on Tuesday, will continue into Saturday, with the parade at 1 p.m., with the rides opening up right after.
Drawings for a basket raffle will take place at 8 p.m. and the event will culminate with the fireworks at 10 p.m., as well as the gun raffle and grand prize drawing ($2,500) to follow.
“We’ve got the best fireworks this side of the Mississippi,” Lane said.
