By Haldimand Press staff
LOWBANKS—The Lowbanks Community Centre was the place to be on Saturday, August 13, 2022 as it hosted Kids Day. For several years, Kids Day has been coordinated jointly between the Lowbanks Firefighters and the Lowbanks Community Centre.
“The concept is to give kids and families the opportunity to meet first responders, see the vehicles and equipment used, ask questions, and learn some tips on how to stay safe and make their home safer,” explained Ron Poth, Community Centre President and Volunteer Firefighter. “Also, the smoke house teaches them of some dangers found in every home and helps families develop an escape plan in case of a fire.”
On the fun side, Poth said, “We have a variety of games, face painting, bouncy gym, candy floss, popcorn, and a barbecue.”
“This year’s Kids Day was very well attended and a great success due to the hard work of all the volunteers and firefighters,” concluded Poth. “Special thanks to the OPP and Paramedics for coming out for the day and one of our volunteer firefighters, Katie Quinn, organizing the first responders.”
LOWBANKS—Two firefighter groups across Haldimand County welcomed residents this past Saturday for special events. First up, the Lowbanks Community Centre was buzzing with activity on Saturday, August 13, 2022 as it hosted Kids Day. Kids Day has been coordinated jointly between the Lowbanks Firefighters and the Lowbanks Community Centre and works to introduce kids, and their families, to local emergency services. Above left, Captain Westley Styles and his son Ben were shooting targets with the hose. Above right, firefighter Chris Holland showed his nephew Maverick around the fire truck —Submitted photos.
LOWBANKS—Above left, Sparky visits with the kids at Kids Day on August 13, 2022. Above middle, firefighter Mike Thompson and his dad, District Chief Dave Thompson, showed their family members Morgan and Logan around the event. Above right, Angie Langeraap with her daughter-in-law Abigail and her kids, Wyatt, Walter, and Delilah. —Submitted photos.
CANFIELD—Firefighters, friends, families, and community members visited the Canfield Fire Hall on Saturday, August 13, 2022 for the 51st annual Pig Roast.
CANFIELD— These kids had a blast investigating the old fire truck on site.
CANFIELD—Above left, volunteer firefighter Mike Difrancesco has been moonlighting as a DJ for this event for three years now. His work was much appreciated by 11-month-old Velvet and her grandma, Karen Vollick, as they boogied to the music. Karen’s husband, Llyod Vollick, is a retired firefighter and they have been attending this event for over 45 years.
CANFIELD—Don and Brenda Ferris of Caledonia (front) enjoyed the festivities with their friends Joan and Senator Ralph Corlis Sr. (middle). Ralph served for 20 years and was one of the original organizers of the event, which began when one of the firefighters’ wives needed a wheelchair after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The event has continued to donate a portion of the proceeds to the MS Society of Canada, with remaining funds going to the fire hall. Joan noted how amazing our firefighters are, as they are very dedicated both to their department and their families. At the back, Terri and Greg Corneil of Cayuga were loving the food and music and overall great atmosphere. This is their third time in attendance.
CANFIELD—Shown are volunteer firefighters who helped organize the annual event and welcomed the massive 300-plus crowd to the great feast: (l-r) Colin Hedley (7 years), Taylor Beckett (3 years), Isaac Bird (back, a firefighter’s son), and Andrew Huitema (3 years).
—Haldimand Press photos by Kerstein Mallon.
CANFIELD—Canfield firefighters celebrated their 51st annual Pig Roast fundraiser on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Canfield Fire Hall. The successful event drew neighbours from near and far to the ever-popular dinner, which often sells out of tickets. The firefighters, their wives, friends, and family volunteered their time and cooking savvy, preparing the 262lbs. of hog and all the fixings, including fresh corn on the cob, to host the summer party to be remembered. Following the delicious dinner, music filled the hall and got people up and dancing. There were also many prizes and raffles up for grabs and everybody was happy to be there. Above, (front, l-r) Terry and Steve Hackenburg and their friends (back) Dana and John White are shown during their dinner. They were all super excited to be at the pig roast. “It’s about time,” they said of the event returning after being postponed because of the pandemic.
