A firefighter helps demonstrate how to use a fire hose on a makeshift burning house at the Friendship Firehouse Festival Aug. 5 in Old Town.
The Friendship Firehouse Festival celebrated the 249th anniversary of the founding of the city’s first fire company Aug. 5 at the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum on South Alfred Street.
Now in its 27th 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.
Jack Anderson, 4, shows off his fire helmet at the Aug.5 Friendship Firehouse Festival
“Today is about remembering the friendship and volunteers who have served the city over the years,” said Jim McClellan, board president of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and sponsor of the festival. “We are also remembering our current fire department and police department and all public servants who keep our city safe.”
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 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.
“It’s a beautiful day, the weather is cooperating,” McClellan said. “Lots of people are here enjoying the food, the vendors, the burning house demonstration, climbing on the fire truck – what’s not to like?”
www.alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse