FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director       
TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108 | FAX: (856) 825-2410
E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org

MILLVILLE, NJ – WheatonArts, in association with the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade, will host the 30th Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show, Muster and Fire Fighter’s Family Day, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 100 member Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade is the South Jersey chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA). This national organization features over 3,000 members and 50 different chapters dedicated to preserving and enjoying antique fire apparatus.

One of the largest events of its kind, the show features over 80 antique fire trucks from as far away as Virginia and Connecticut. Featured trucks include models dating back to the Revolutionary War era as well as a Ward LaFrance once used by Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. Other antique fire fighting apparatus and memorabilia will also be on display.

    An event highlight is the firefighter competition where children of all ages witness firsthand how firefighters use their training and skills to battle fires. The friendly competition includes a water barrel fight (where a barrel is suspended on a cable the two opposing teams try to move it to opposite ends using a high pressure fire house) and bucket brigade (where each team is timed as they carry water to the roof of a small building in buckets).Several firefighting demonstrations will also take place including active pumping displays of fire hoses on numerous fire trucks.

New Jersey Assemblyman, John Burzichelli, (3rd District), is an active member and trustee of the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade. He owns the remnants of the Ward LaFrance, a famous, but now defunct fire engine manufacturer. Several of his antique fire engines are Ward LaFrance models of varying years. Burzichelli co-authored the book, "Ward LaFrance Fire Trucks: 1918-1978 Photo Archive."

    The winner of the “Nancy Howe Memorial Award - Best In Show” receives a glass trophy created by WheatonArts artist Don Friel. A WheatonArts paperweight is given to the winner of the “Best of Show Hand-Drawn.”

Admission is free to attend the Muster and to visit the museum stores. To visit other WheatonArts facilities the following admission fees apply: $10.00 Adults, $9.00 Senior Adults and $7.00 for college students. All children 17 and under will be admitted to all WheatonArts facilities at no charge thanks to a PNC Arts Alive grant to support “Family Fun Days.” During the Muster all children 17 and under will have free access to the hands-on “Shell Wind Chimes” workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. PNC Arts Alive is a five year, $5-million grant initiative of the PNC Foundation.

For information about other WheatonArts programs and events, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit www.wheatonarts.org. For more information about the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade visit www.gafb.net.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for special accommodations. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.

Funding for WheatonArts programs has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State, and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

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