The Fire Trucks Are Coming

The fire trucks are ready to roll into town from 20 other departments from Westchester County and Connecticut, joining the Bedford Village Fire Department for its annual parade and barbecue this Friday.

Buffed fire engines, pumpers, tankers, rescue trucks, ambulances and chiefs' trucks will drive slowly along the parade route, joined by members of Bedford's 87-year-old department, local marching bands, color guards and other special guests.

And the weather looks perfect, said Peter Aquilino, assistant fire chief, chief parade organizer and nephew of current fire chief Joanne Aquilino. "We've just canceled the raindate," he told Patch on Tuesday.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. at The Farms Road, and winds along Route 22, finishing up just past the Village Green. After the 45-minute march, parade guests are invited behind the firehouse for hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks, said Aquilino.

Guests are invited to stick around until about 9 p.m. when the trophies will be awarded to participating fire departments. Categories include cleanliness, best regulation and best overall presentation; the Westchester County parade judge committee is a group composed of ex-chiefs from across the county.

Aquilino, who is part of a family of firefighters, said people look forward to the parade all year.

"It's our biggest event of the year, and fun for everyone," he said. "It's a huge undertaking, but after 80 years, we sort of have it down to a science."

The department starts planning in January, mailing out save the date cards and invitations to participate in the event. This is crunch week, but all signs point to the event coming together, said Aquilino.

The parade route will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. to line up trucks. Residents are advised to find alternate routes after that time.