HORTONVILLE — Firefighters from across Sullivan County rolled through Hortonville Saturday as the Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company held its 92nd annual Field Day and firemen’s parade.
Hortonville led the procession, followed by visiting departments, ambulance crews, auxiliaries and fire apparatus ranging from modern engines and tankers to antique trucks dating back nearly a century.
One of the oldest vehicles on the route came from the White Lake Volunteer Fire Company, which brought a 1928 Ford Model A. Antique apparatus from Hurleyville and Kenoza Lake also joined the more modern trucks making their way through town.
Chief Eric Dnistrian said the turnout and support were strong this year.
“It wasn’t bad, actually,” Dnistrian said. “Good turnout. And the support that we had, it’s good this year.”
White Sulphur Springs took first place for fire company marching and also had the most members in the line of march. Woodbourne took second place for company marching and the award for traveling the farthest distance.
Livingston Manor was named best appearing auxiliary, while Roscoe-Rockland received the award for best appearing apparatus in service. Hurleyville took the judges’ choice award for apparatus.
Dnistrian said the participation of neighboring departments remains an important part of keeping the tradition going.
“I think it’s great that they come out and support us and continue to support us throughout the years,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have this.”
The final trophy went to the Upper Delaware Volunteer Ambulance Corps for best appearing volunteer ambulance corps. Four-year-old Einsleigh Duffy, who had marched in the parade earlier in the day, stepped forward to accept the award.
Her father, Connor Duffy, said she had enjoyed taking part in the parade.
After the awards, the Field Day continued at the Hortonville firehouse with food, bingo and other activities.
Dnistrian described the 92-year tradition simply as “a big family event.”