Kingsville Fire Fest moves to Cottam

By Deanna Bertrand

Half a dozen fire trucks — from ladder trucks to rescue, pumper and even a fire boat — were showcased at the annual Kingsville Fire Fest held Saturday morning, September 10 in Cottam.

The event was scaled down this year from last year’s downtown Kingsville event, which saw the four corners filled with old and new fire trucks from across Southwestern Ontario and Michigan.

Chief John Quennell said they just didn’t get the same interest this year from the antique truck owners and decided to move the event to Ridgeview Park in Cottam — next door to Kingsville’s North Fire Station.

Last year, the vintage fire trucks started off with a parade from the Cottam park into downtown Kingsville.

This year however, the trucks from Kingsville and Essex stations remained stationary in the parking lot.

Following a meet and greet and pancake breakfast, children of all ages were able to explore the fire equipment and learn of its uses, along with gaining fire safety and prevention knowledge and colouring materials.

The Chief noted that with the upcoming Fire Safety and Prevention Week in October, he hopes to get back to doing more fire safety and prevention with area children and youth groups around the fire halls. He said that with the pandemic, a lot of the fire prevention had moved to online learning.

Another photo from the Fire Fest is on page 7.

“I can see my reflection!” — Michael Nakle, 2 is all smiles after seeing his reflection in the shiny bumper of Kingsville Fire Department’s fire engine at the annual Fire Fest held Saturday in Cottam. SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand