June 15, 2008

Another successful Strawberry Festival

       Even with almost a complete wash-out on Friday, this year's Strawberry Festival was one of the most well-attended to date.  "Saturday definitely made up for Friday", said Battalion Chief James Engmark, the department's spokesperson.  "We had to cancel nearly every event that was scheduled on Friday due to heavy rains", he added.  Additionally, many other events, even on Saturday, were cancelled due to subsequent flood responses, such as the military Blackhawk helicopter and the WTHR news channel 13 helicopter.  On Saturday however, the weather was perfect for the festival and was reflected by the record attendance.  Rain is definitely not something new for the festival though.  In fact, it has rained on all but two of the weekends in the event's sixteen year history.

         The rest of the festival went on as planned with the various displays and shows put on by the fire department.  Among the favorites are the fireworks and the Extrication Demonstration.  The Extrication Demonstration is where the fire department simulates a serious traffic accident where a victim is trapped inside.  With a step-by-step narration of what is going on, firefighters use various tools and equipment, including the Jaws of Life, to remove the car from around the victim.  Meanwhile, the simulated Incident Commander summons LifeLine medical helicopter from Methodist Hospital, which is called and then actually flown to the scene.  The 'incident' is concluded when the simulated victim is placed in the helicopter and is transported to the hospital.  The entire show, conducted in near real-time, was completed in under twenty minutes, which showcases the extremely efficient EMS system that is in place.

         There were plenty of other activities that went on including static fire apparatus and a state police helicopter display, antique fire apparatus on display, HAM radio operators, and a Blood Drive by the Central Indiana Blood Center.  The event was closed out as usual by a fifteen minute fireworks show by the International Fireworks Merchandisers, who also put together the annual Sky Concert display on Labor Day weekend.

         Although the weekend was a huge success, it could not have been possible without the generous donations of time, money, and supplies by the many individuals and companies who participated.  A very special thanks goes to the Steak-n-Shake corporation for its continued and generous support of the event, year after year, as well as the Center Grove School Corporation for the use of the school.  The entire festival is paid for by revenues charged for the food items along with donations.  Any surplus generated is placed back into the next year's event either through new equipment purchases or additional entertainment.

 

           

           

           

           
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)

    Fireworks Grand Finale - 37 sec
    
   (Click play button to watch video and then double-click to watch it in full screen)

 

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