By Wayne Fish
Credit: Submitted
When you were growing up, did you dream of becoming a fireman?
But the closest you ever got was hearing all those sirens go by on their way to a smoky crisis?
Well, kids from 2 to 92 can experience something a little more like the real thing if they attend the 20th annual Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic on Sunday, May 20 at Sesame Place in Middletown.
That’s because the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company is bringing its Tower 21 “Super Truck’’ to the event, complete with a 100-foot ladder from which will hang the brand new 4-by-12-foot start/finish banner and, with due pride, an American flag.
The day begins with the one-mile fun run at 7 a.m., followed by the featured 5K at 8 a.m. and then the kids’ sprint 50-yard race at 8:45 a.m.
Everyone on hand can visit Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Chief Frank Farry’s pride and joy, maybe sit behind the steering wheel and listen to a talk about fire safety and fire science.
“It’s fantastic to be back here at Sesame Place,’’ said Farry, whose fire company has become a mainstay at Sesame. “It’s for a good cause (the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund). And it’s become quite a legendary race in Bucks County.’’
Many people believe that firemen are generally just concerned with putting out fires.
But just as much of their time – if not more – is spent trying to prevent fires, through education and safety measures, like smoke detectors.
“We’ll have a fire prevention table set up,’’ Farry explained. “We’ll be teaching some fire safety tips to the public that’s here. Hopefully people will get some fire safety tips that they can use in their home.’’
When he isn’t busy answering fire alarms, Farry answers to the voice of the people as the State Representative from the 142nd Legislative District. So to say he’s people-friendly is an understatement.
However, the star of the show at the race just might be the big red truck.
“It’s a very high-functioning truck,’’ Farry said. “This truck is designed to fight major fires.’’
Finally, the American flag adorning the starting line area will be 8 by 12 feet, adding a little more emotion to the festivities.
“We’ll be showing our patriotism,’’ Farry said.
It should be both fun and educational.
“So many fires are preventable,’’ Farry said. “Some of it is training. If we can impart some of that training while the public is here, that makes it a win-win situation.’’
Remember, all runners who take part in the Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic, which is supported by LevittownNow.com this years, receive a free, single-day admission to Sesame Place until June 17.
To register, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.
