The Biloxi Firefighter’s Day Parade, which this year marks the 100th anniversary of the West End Hose Co. No. 3, is scheduled to roll through downtown Biloxi on Saturday, Oct. 23 at noon.
The parade was originally scheduled for Sept. 18, but was re-scheduled because of Hurricane Ivan.
Family-oriented events are planned at Point Cadet Plaza before the parade, including a Kid’s Fishing Rodeo; static displays of firefighting equipment, vehicles and memorabilia; a Kid’s Challenge and various demonstrations.
Biloxi’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Kiwanis Club are hosting a fishing rodeo open to ages 3-5, 6-12, 13-21 and adults with disabilities, as part of the Firefighters Day celebrtaion and in observance of October being named Disability Awareness Month. For info on the 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. rodeo, contact Tammy Howell at 436-5191 or at thowell@biloxi.ms.us.
The West End Hose Co. was one of three such bands of volunteers in Biloxi responsible for delivering hose carts to fires. The company was active until the early ‘50s when the city began providing full-service fire protection.
The parade will begin on Main Street and travel through downtown and end at the West End Hose Company No. 3 Fire Museum, 1046 Howard Ave.
The museum will host a free reception at the conclusion of the parade.
Tickets for the Miss Flame and Little Miss Flame contests are being sold by contestants for $1 each. Grand prize is a $450 value, which includes a two-night stay at the Beau Rivage, dinner for two at Memphis Q, and two tickets to the Beau’s featured show. The winning ticket will be drawn at the post-parade reception at the Firemen’s Museum. Raffle tickets also can be purchased at the Biloxi Fire Department, West End Hose Co. No.3 or the Biloxi Visitors Center.
The parade committee is continuing to invite anyone with antique fire trucks or communities with firefighting vehicles to take part in the parade. Those interested should call 228-435-6202 or e-mail Joe Boney at jboney@biloxi.ms.us.
