Kick-off celebration begins momentous year for SWVFD

Roger Hildebrand, event book chair for the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, stands in front of the town's first firetruck, a refurbished 1938 Maxim, which is proudly displayed at the new fire department at West Road. Photos by Christian Mysliwiec.

It's a busy year for the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. With a 75th anniversary celebration slated for June, the department is holding a Kick-Off Celebration on Friday, Feb. 22, to get the festivities started.

“It's almost like an early birthday party,” said Roger Hildebrand, event book chairman for SWVFD. The night will include hors d'oeuvres, a buffet dinner, open bar, dancing, raffles and auctions. It all takes place at Maneeley's at 65 Rye St., in South Windsor, from 6 to 11 p.m. “It's going to be a fun night that will hopefully get people into the mood of what's coming,” said Hildebrand.

This is one of several events celebrating the June anniversary. Also on the horizon is a Touch-a-Truck event, where kids and adults can climb into fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and other vehicles for photos and fun. The Third Annual SWVFD Golf Tournament will also be held at Topstone Golf Course on June 27.

As SWVFD celebrates its 75th anniversary, the town is also hosting the 130th Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention. This massive, three-day event begins Sept. 20 and concludes Sept. 22 with a town-wide celebration.

According to Hildebrand, these 2013 festivities will be the result of five years of planning and has a total budget of $125,000 funded through donations and fundraisers.

“It's a state-wide event,” he said. “We'll have departments from all over the state and some from out of state... We expect around the neighborhood of 10,000 people.” Events include a welcome reception at The Pub II at 59 John Fitch Blvd., and an Irregulars Dinner and Meeting at South Windsor Fire Headquarters on Friday, Sept. 20. A business expo and convention will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at South Windsor High School, with a Firefighters Muster Competition at the athletics field. On Sunday, Sept. 22, a parade featuring 300 pieces of firefighter apparatus will start from Sullivan Avenue, continue down Ayers Road, go down Nevers Road and finish at the high school.

Tickets to the Kick-Off Celebration are $50 per person or $450 per table of 10. To order, contact Scott Fine at 860-982-3368. For more information about sponsoring the SWVFD 75th celebration or the 130th Convention and Parade, contact Hildebrand at 860-944-1411 or visit www.swfd2013.com.