It’s a fire truck parade as Jasper hosts annual celebration

More than 30 years ago, Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang was a volunteer firefighter with about ten years under his belt when the city hosted the District 18 Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Association parade and queen contest.

Now, as chief, he put the city in as a host for the annual event and this Sunday, October 12, Jasper will have about 40 fire trucks from about 20 departments taking a parade through its streets. According to Hochgesang, the parade will feature multiple types of fire trucks — engines, pumpers, ladders — as well as historic ones like Jasper’s 96-year-old engine, The General.

“So as a young firefighter, I appreciated that vehicle. And now as an older firefighter, I really appreciate that vehicle for what it does and the craftsmanship back when they built that then,” Hochgesang said.

The Sunday celebration combines the annual parade with a Miss Flame contest featuring nine young women ages 15 to 17 from firefighter families across District 18. Five additional attendants who don’t meet age requirements or weren’t selected as their community’s representative will also participate.

Queen candidates arrive at the Jasper Cultural Center by 8:30 a.m. Sunday for breakfast, followed by interviews and judging until noon. After lunch, they join the parade route that begins at about 1 p.m. at 4th and Mill streets, heads north to 9th and Mill, then travels west to Main Street before returning south to 4th Street and ending at the cultural center.

The parade showcases fire equipment from across the region, with entries judged in categories for pre-2000 and post-2000 vehicles. Along with Jasper’s General, Huntingburg and Dubois Volunteer Fire Departments will have their historic fire trucks in the parade.

For anyone with a love for the iconic machinery, the parade will provide a great demonstration of the trucks being used in District 18. Hochgesang said he really enjoys seeing what other fire departments are using.

If he has a reason to visit another department, he tends to arrive early so he can see what types of equipment other departments are using. “I enjoy it. I think it’s really neat to see what’s out there,” Hochgesang said.

The Jasper High School marching band will march in the parade, along with several sheriff candidates and other community entries.

Road closures begin just before the 1 p.m. parade start time and reopen as entries pass each intersection. Hochgesang expects the entire event to last no more than 45 minutes.

The event represents District 18 of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, which includes 34 or 35 fire departments. Each district across Indiana holds similar annual parades and queen contests, with winners advancing to state competition.

Last year’s District 18 queen, Ava Verkamp from Schnellville, won the state competition and currently serves as IVFA State Queen. She will participate in Sunday’s parade on a float pulled by a Schnellville Fire Department vehicle.

Throughout the week leading up to the parade, Jasper firefighters have visited local schools for fire safety education as part of Fire Safety Week. Hochgesang and four other volunteer firefighters have spoken to classes at Holy Trinity schools and the high school’s Little Wildcats program, bringing fire trucks and allowing children to spray water when weather permits.

“The little kiddos enjoy seeing the fire truck and things like that,” Hochgesang said, adding that it was important to get the message out about fire safety.

Local volunteer fire departments pride themselves in the service they provide to their communities. Though they receive a small stipend for each run they respond to, they also spend hours on training as well as volunteer for events like those with area schools this week.

“You truly do it because of your passion in the fire service and to your community,” Hochgesang said.

Everyone is invited to line the route for the parade which will also feature the Jasper Marching Band and other entries. Hochgesang said there will be lights and sirens activated but not during the entire parade.