SpecialEvents

     On the weekend of September 10th, 2006, Saint Louis 2004 Exposition in conjunction with Antique Warehouse, attended the 23rd Annual Great Fire Engine Rally, with their 1926 Mack Triple Combination Pumper Fire Engine. 

     The day started off with a parade down Market Street to the event site.  Over one hundred fire engines lined up along the south curb of Market Street to begin the day.  Many of the engines were brand new state of the art machines, currently being used by both local and out of town municipalities.  However, there were also quite a few vintage fire engines on hand, including the STL 2004 Expo's 1926 Mack.  At 10:00 AM the parade began rolling down Market Street, starting with dozens of St. Louis City Fire trucks.  After they passed, the rest of the line began down the street, with the Mack near the front. 

     As the parade continued down the street, everyone began covering their ears, as with every fire engine running their sirens and honking their horns, it was nearly deafening.  The eastbound parade stopped at Tucker Ave., where the St. Louis Firefighters Memorial Park is located and where eventually, all of the festivities took place.  After all of the fire engines found their place, a ceremony remembering all of those who were lost while fighting fires took place in front of the Firefighters Memorial Statue.

     After the ceremony, a full day of events and activities were planned.  Along with the now static display of fire engines, there were numerous other activities.  A big event for some of the local firemen was the "Firefighters Competition."  Which included a number of events of skill and determination, where each team of firefights competed against other teams for the quickest times and the most points.  A kids town featured water games, educational characters, and fire safety demonstrations.  Along with the food vendors, beer garden, and music, there was also a flea market, where people could purchase a number of items related to fire and firefighting. 

     Another main highlight was the "Wet Area," where about a half of a dozen vintage pumping fire engines pumped water.  It was quite the site to see.  Many enjoyed running through the water as it fell onto the street, and the enthusiast who brought the pumpers loved showing off their engines pumping abilities.

     At the end of the day, the STL 2004 Exposition was awarded the top prize of First Place, for best Fire Engine at the show.  Below are a few images from the days events, click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

Click any of the thumbnails below for an image gallery