Office of Historic Alexandria director Gretchen Bulova, right, is joined by Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Waraphan “Sky” Srikongyas, vice Mayor Amy Jackson, Police Chief Don Hayes, and City Council members Sarah Bagley and Alyia Gaskins at the 248th anniversary of the founding of Friendship Firehouse at the Aug. 6 Friendship Firehouse Festival. Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
Now in its 26th year, the festival is sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and Historic Alexandria. Crowds enjoyed sunny skies as attendees learned about the city’s historic firefighting apparatus and checked out modern firefighting equipment on display.
“We had great attendance, beautiful weather, and lots of vendors,” said Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. “We were able to show off three pieces of historic fire apparatus. And we had lots of families with dogs – it wouldn’t be Old Town if we didn’t have lots of people walking their dogs.”
On display at the festival, which takes place on the 100 block of South Alfred Street, was the Friendship Fire Company’s 1851 hand-operated fire engine, which is now headed out for conservation treatment. Also on exhibit was Friendship’s newly restored 1858 hose-reel carriage, an ornate apparatus made by local craftsman Robert F. Prettyman.
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was the first fire company in Alexandria. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, is a museum open to the public.
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is now a philanthropic organization focusing on fire-fighting history and fire safety. It remains active in community events, including the annual Festival, and supports historic preservation of the building and its collection.
“I have been participating in this festival for several years,” said Joyce Gregorio Esquig, an educational book vendor. “The festival gets bigger each year with all sorts of firefighting equipment and vehicles on display. I especially enjoy seeing all the kids who came out today.”
www.alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse