Community Day At Golden's Bridge Firehouse Back With A Bash For 2024

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — It's time once again for the hottest event of the fall, and this year there might just be a few new surprises.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

There are a handful of days in autumn that are marked on the calendar like clockwork: Halloween, Election Day, Thanksgiving — and Community Day at the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse. Hosted by the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, the annual event with the country-fair-like vibe that draws hundreds of guests (over 425 last year) is set for Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

But unlike county, state and country fairs, everything at Community Day at the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse is free — including raffle tickets for drawings throughout the day, with two Nintendo Switches headlining the grand prizes. All children will receive a gift bag (more than 250 were given out last year!) and all families will receive promotional giveaways. Children dressed in a Halloween costume will also receive a special prize.

Joe Simoncini, who chairs the GBFD’s Community Day Committee, offered a sneak peek at the lineup, although he didn’t give away every detail. "You’ll just have to come see for yourself!" he said.

The event, he says, will feature:

• Fire truck rides (ever popular among kids and adults!).

• Dramatic firefighting demonstrations ("Jaws" extrication rescue, and firefighters attacking a real car fire).

• A giant inflatable children’s obstacle course (sure to be huge fun!).

• BBQ, donuts, cider, a popcorn machine, cookies, snacks, ice cream, Halloween candy, and more.

• Pick-your-own pumpkin in the spooky fire department pumpkin patch.

• Participation for kids and guests of all ages (operate a real water hose, douse real flames with a fire extinguisher, escape from a smoke-filled house).

• Demonstrations by other emergency responders (LVAC ambulance tour, Westchester County Public Safety Department helicopter flyover and ESU vehicle, State Police rollover vehicle and K9 Unit).

• A fun activity by Scout Troops 154 and 301.

"This is a fun-raiser, not a fundraiser; everything is free. Community Day brings together residents, the fire department and emergency responders. It has become one of the area’s most popular and much-anticipated events of the year. This is how the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department expresses our deep gratitude and appreciation to community residents for their continued support," said Simoncini, a 30-year GBFD veteran who also serves as a commissioner of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District.

Not to be lost in the thrills, excitement and activities of the day is an important message, according to Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo.

"We are intentional about hosting Community Day in October to coincide with National Fire Prevention Month. It is an opportunity to raise fire safety awareness through some of the interactive demonstrations that we have planned – navigating the smoke house (provided by Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association) and the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Fire safety awareness and education can save lives," Melillo said.

In one activity geared for children, youngsters will be invited to use their artistic creation to depict fire safety and prevention in an original drawing. They can also decorate their pumpkin from the patch, using the colorful markers in the gift bags.

Officials are hopeful that some guests will be inspired to join the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. "Helping local residents, maybe even neighbors, in dire need during an emergency is extremely rewarding. We are always seeking to expand our ranks," Melillo said.

Added Simoncini, "We hope everyone can drop by and learn more about fire safety and the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, meet our dedicated firefighters, and spend time with neighbors and friends. Have a grilled burger, pick a pumpkin, watch our firefighters in action, participate in some of the interactive activities, take a photo behind the wheel of a fire truck. There is much to see and do!" said Simoncini.

For information, call or text 914-403-4072, or email pub3634@gmail.com.