Organizers of the third annual FireFest Chatham-Kent expect to see another spike in visitor traffic this year.
Brent DeNure, one of the men behind FireFest, said they are happy to have recently finalized the location of the event’s inaugural Combat Challenge, where firefighting teams are to compete in timed competition – the Downtown Chatham Centre (DCC).
Contestants simulate the physical demands of what a firefighter can face on the job, including dragging hoses, shooting water, climbing a five-storey tower and rescuing a life-sized and life-heavy dummy.
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The event will take place in the DCC parking lot Sept. 20 and 21.
“The Downtown Chatham Centre was our top choice,” DeNure said of their site-selection process. “Carson and Dan Warrener have been so supportive of FireFest. This will bring a lot of people downtown.”
DeNure predicts as many as 12,000 people or more will take in FireFest this year, which he hopes could feature as many as 100 antique fire trucks on display throughout the downtown on the weekend.
As for the competition, DeNure said he expects at least a dozen teams will travel from across North America to take part.
“I have been e-mailed by teams from as far away as Texas,” he said. “We are in a jewel of an area, as we’re close to Detroit Metro, and Pearson and London (airports). We’re only a domestic flight away.”
DeNure said FireFest takes place after summer is over – by design.
“Generally September and October has good weather in Chatham-Kent. It’s a good farewell to the summer,” he said. “Retrofest kind of kicks off summer and our event is timed to kind of close it.”
DeNure said feedback to date for the first two FireFests has been nothing but positive.
“For that we are very grateful and thankful,” he said of the kind words from citizens on the community-building event. “And the city’s been outstanding to work with.
“We pride ourselves in giving families and little ones a memorable experience, and all they have to invest is their time.”
For more information on FireFest Chatham-Kent, check out the website at firefest.ca.
