Caledonia FD

Caledonia firefighters’ June parade canceled

The Caledonia Fire Department brought back its huge firemen’s parade in June 2009 after eight years with no parade at all. For decades before that, the Caledonia Firemen’s parade was known as Western New York’s largest firemen’s parade.

For the three years that the parade was brought back it was very popular and widely attended, but the field days activities on the next day, Saturday, were very poorly attended.

While the parade and field days are community event, they’re also a fundraiser for the fire department. After three years of dwindling profits, the fire department has cancelled the 2012 parade.

“It was a very tough decision. As we all know, many people look forward to it. The parade was to help raise a little money for the fire department but over the past couple of years, we were barely breaking even with the cost of everything and the time and effort put into the event, it was just not worth it anymore,” Chief Chris Beach said.

The disappointing news may be a little easier for the community to bear with the good news coming from the Mumford Fire Department who is hosting a 125th anniversary celebration on July 21.

Caledonia is also celebrating its 125th and will join efforts with MFD to celebrate the milestone for both fire departments.

The celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. with a parade from Cal-Mum School to the Mumford fire hall.

Mumford department president Todd Smith says the parade includes numerous fire companies and bands. It’s expected to be at least a two-hour parade.

Following the parade, there will be a fire muster set up on George Street in Mumford adjacent to the fire hall. The street will be closed to traffic and will feature a collection of new and antique fire equipment including a horse drawn steam powered fire engine and fire and rescue demonstrations.

On the fire hall grounds there will be musical entertainment, refreshments and games for the kids.

Non-profit and volunteer organizations are invited to participate in the event by contacting Todd Smith at trs027@gmail.com.