News : VFD, GFD, prepare to welcome Iowa\'s firefighters to IFA Convention

Less than a month from now, they’re coming. It’s happening. The 135th Annual Iowa Firefighter’s Association’s Convention is coming back to Vinton for the 2nd time in 10 years. The 2013 Convention officially begins Wednesday September 4th; however, recent history indicates that many will begin arriving as early as Friday, August 30th to begin what for many of them, is their only vacation of the year.

When Vinton and Garrison hosted this Convention in 2003, we had over 2000 Firefighters and their spouses in attendance occupying about 1,000 campsites. We expect this number to grow by 25% to 2,500 guests occupying what this year will be, 1,500 campsites on ground adjacent to the fairgrounds, with many of the activities taking place on the fairgrounds itself.

Although entrance to the fairgrounds and campground is exclusive to Convention attendees, there will be events held for the public to watch. There will be various contests held in the streets adjacent to the fairgrounds on Thursday and Friday. With the majority of the contests held Saturday, near the courthouse area downtown. Come down and cheer on your favorite Vinton or Garrison fireman and their teams.

The grand finale of the 135th Annual Convention will be the parade Saturday evening. For those of you who didn’t witness it in Vinton the first time, over 100 entries of fire apparatus from across the state will cruise the streets of Vinton. The area closest to the courthouse, once again, will be the best observation point, as there will be an announcer describing each entry as it passes. This parade is strictly for the public, so the firemen and their families can share and showcase to you, the pride that each department from around the state has in themselves and their fellow firemen. How many kids do you know who don’t like fire trucks?

What we will have is an almost week long event, showcasing Vinton and our surrounding area to 2,500 people (or more), one of the largest parades in Iowa, and more! This is a self-supported event with expenses covered by fees for camping, registration, golfing, bowling, and souvenir sales.

Such a great event is not totally without a short coming or 2. You can expect longer lines at many of the local businesses, fire trucks parking in spots that are maybe a little small for them, crowded sidewalks, potential traffic jams, probably a little additional noise during the week, and lots of smiling faces on all of our gracious guests.

At many of the events, in addition to the Conventions we have attended over the last 10 years, we have been asked when Vinton and Garrison were going to host Convention again. The other departments from all across Iowa sincerely enjoyed coming to Vinton and felt very welcomed here. Once again we are asking you to put on your best face, get ready to wave at all of our visitors and thank them for coming back to town. Let them know we’ve been expecting them. If you have a flag, fly it, paint up your windows, put signs out and if you have anything related to the fire service, display it. Show these men and women that their service, time, dedication, and sacrifices for our safety does not go unnoticed. We appreciate them and what they do. All communities everywhere are better because of them. We are honored to host them all at their 135th Annual Convention.

Members and families of your Vinton and Garrison Fire Departments