By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Clouds and a threat of rain didn’t deter people from attending the opening night of the Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival Friday evening.
In its 32nd year, the Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival is held annually to benefit the firefighters. Liberty Township Fireman Rick Harley explained what the proceeds go toward.
“It allows us to buy equipment,” Harley said. “All townships are alike; on a very limited budget, so this allows us to get extra things that we need.”
Starting at 4 p.m. and running until 1 a.m. both Friday and today, attendees had the option of pork or beef sandwiches, or bratwurst, sides, and dessert. For those looking to cool down from the heat, Stineman Sales had an ice cream stand offering chocolate or vanilla ice cream, and root beer floats. For those of age, the beer garden will run until close both nights of the festival.
Food isn’t the only aspect of the Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival as the annual Sulphur Springs 5K Race took place at 7 p.m. Friday.
Finishing in first place overall for men was James Zeuch with a time of 15:29. Zeuch explained what he enjoys about the festival’s 5K.
“I am definitely going to be taking part in some of the food next door, and maybe some homemade ice cream afterwards,” Zeuch said. “That is one good thing about this event is that there is always good food afterwards.”
Taking second place with a time of 15:50 was Zach Mathius. Mathius explained what he enjoys about the festival’s 5K.
“I felt really good getting back into it, it has been about six years since I have run,” Mathius said. “I like that it is a small town race with a competitive aspect. There is always someone, whether it is James or Jesse, that push you along and get a good time.”
Chloe Grave took the top spot overall for women with a time of 19:50, while Anna Reffey finished second with a time of 20:31.
Another aspect of the festival will be raffles. For a $1 ticket attendees could enter to win one of numerous meat trays. Also Friday, two hog halves were to be raffled off. On Saturday the raffles don’t stop as five guns will be raffled off.
On the entertainment side of things D.J. Steer Clear took the stage at 9 p.m. last night. On Saturday the entertainment will start a little earlier with the New Washington Band tuning up in the early evening while northwest Ohio band Bret Lowry and the Drifters will take the stage at 9 p.m.