Saxonburg Firefighter Festival brings back the water battle
SAXONBURG — After the community asked for the event to be brought back, eight fire departments took part in the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company water battle Wednesday, June 26, the first one in almost five years.
Armed with fire hoses, two teams compete in a tug-of-war-like competition. Shooting at a suspended barrel with water, the teams aim to get the barrel to their opponent’s side to win.
“It’s fun, you get wet, and it’s nice to support a small community,” said Saxonburg resident Megan Milkan, who has attended the events for more than seven years.
In addition to bringing back attendees, the event also drew new faces.
“It’s with the community. It gets the fire departments together,” East Butler resident Candy Williams said. This year was Williams’ first time attending the water battle.
Despite the rain, attendees stood outside with ponchos and umbrellas to watch the event. A tradition that has been around for over 20 years, the water battle gives the fire departments a chance to have a competition against each other and to foster camaraderie.
“It’s just generally fun,” Saxonburg Volunteer firefighter Chris Dean said.
The water battle is one of the most popular event hosted at the festival. In the past, the water battle saw 16 teams compete against one another.
Lasting for over half an hour, the water battle gave out first, second, and third place. First place went to Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, second place went to Sarver Volunteer Fire Company, and third place went to West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 2.
“We lost, but it’s all about having fun and supporting the community,” Leroy Shuler of the Herman Volunteer Fire Company said.
The event is part of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s 93rd annual Fireman’s Carnival kicked off on Tuesday evening, June 25, with its traditional opening act, the Pet Parade, which runs through Saturday.
