Firefighters returning to Florence
FLORENCE — This year’s Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Tournament is going out of state for only the second time in its history.
But the 123rd annual event, which starts Friday and runs through Sunday, is returning to relatively familiar territory: Florence, Wis., just over the border and well within the U.P. neighborhood.
“The Florence firefighters were honored to host the tournament in Wisconsin for the first time in 2009, when 45 departments from the U.P. came to compete,” said Wendy Gehlhoff, director of Florence County Economic Development.
That was the first time the tournament had taken place in Wisconsin since the games began in 1895. So it’s a great honor, she said, to have Florence chosen again for the event, this year when the department is celebrating its 100-year centennial, she said.
In past years the tournament ran Thursday through Saturday; however, this year the event starts Friday and ends on Sunday.
“We made the change in hopes of increasing attendance,” said Joe Witynski, Florence’s fire chief. Festivities include three parades, firefighter races and street dances that will take place in downtown Florence, with focus around the Florence Fire Hall and Community Center in Florence. A 1918 Florence fire truck recently restored by Daniel Zoppetti, an auto body expert from Luxenberg, Wis., will be featured during the event.
“Hopefully we have a beautiful weekend,” Witynski said.
Events for firefighters kick off Friday with registration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florence Fire Hall and Community Center. Members of the U.P. Fire Chiefs Association will meet at 10 a.m. at Dina Mia’s.
The restaurant also will host Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Association Credentials Meeting at 1 p.m. and the UPVFA Convention meeting at 2 p.m.
Race captains meeting will follow the convention meeting.
Community festivities begin Friday night with the dress parade at 7 p.m. down U.S. 2 in downtown Florence.
“This is the formal parade, where the firemen wear their best uniforms and are judged on appearance and precision in marching,” Gehlhoff said. Firefighter are asked to line up beginning at 6 p.m. in the alley between Central and Florence Avenue. The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Next Myle will play country rock at the 8 p.m. street dance under the big tent next to the fire hall. The Shirttail Parade follows at 10 p.m. — firefighters are asked to line up at 9:30 — down U.S. 2, with this year’s theme: “Answering the Call Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”
“During this raucous parade, teams are judged on creativity and humor. The crowd is often drawn into the fun. You won’t want to miss this, much less formal and somewhat ‘adult themed’ show,” Gehlhoff said.
At 8 a.m. Saturday, the Association Race Meeting will be at the Florence Fire Hall, followed by the Captain’s Meeting at 8:30. The firemen races start at 9 a.m. on Lake Avenue between Fire and Rescue halls.
Concessions and vendors are available for the public.
“Watch and cheer for the 20 teams competing for the trophies through five events that include the ladder race, hose roll and the final Mystery Race crafted by the host department Florence,” Gehlhoff said.
The 8 p.m. Saturday Firefighter’s Ball under the big tent will feature music by Boogie and the Yoyoz from Green Bay.
Awards and raffle will be announced during a break at 10 p.m. Raffle tickets are $10 each, with a chance to win $5,000 cash.
Event wrap up Sunday with the Commercial Parade at 11 a.m. down U.S. 2 in downtown Florence. Individuals, organizations and businesses are welcome to sign up to have a float in this parade. Contact Fire Chief Joe Witynski at 906-360-3221 or Dave Bauer at 906-221-5121.
The closing ceremony and overall team awards are announced after the Commercial Parade. “Come support these Michigan and Wisconsin volunteer firemen. They give their time and risk their lives to protect us and our properties,” Gehlhoff said.