KETTLERSVILLE — The 47th annual Kettlersville-Van Buren Fireman’s Picnic is just around the corner. The annual event offers something for everyone including free pony rides for the kids, lots of games, and a chance for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the fun-filled festivities, food and fellowship.
The picnic will be held on Saturday, July 15, at the Van Buren Township Firehouse at 8833 North St. in Kettlersville and runs from 3 p.m. until midnight.
Veteran Van Buren Township Fire Chief Charlie Axe said he is excited about the picnic, a special event he has participated in since childhood, He said being a member of the fire department was probably kindled by the community spirit that has always been so prevalent in making the event a success. Axe has served the department for 33 years and has been the department chief for 19 years. He has a lot of cherished memories concerning the event.
“At a very young age I realized the importance of this picnic and how it helped to provide a valuable element of security and safety-related services to our community,” said Axe. “I went to the picnic as a kid with my family and for as long as I can remember I always looked forward to this time of year for that reason, it’s always been one of the highlights of every summer and a chance for people to get together and catch up on what’s been going on. The picnic is a favorite for the locals but also draws people from all around the state of Ohio and other places.
“There are always quite a few people attending that grew up here and moved away, and many travel quite a long distance to attend the picnic and consider when the picnic is going to take place when planning a visit back home to see family and friends. For many it’s a family tradition and that kinship is a key element in making the picnic a great place to go year after year,” said Axe.
That tradition is evident in Axe’s family as his son Ryan currently serves the fire department as assistant chief and will be working alongside his father at the upcoming even.
Axe said while the picnic offers a chance to have a good time, there is a more important side that may not get all the attention that it deserves.
“Technically the firehouse, vehicles, and department are owned by Van Buren Township, but providing and maintaining all the essential equipment needed to get the job done is the responsibility of our volunteer fire department; and that’s where the picnic comes in. There are currently 35 members in our department and it’s all up to us to come up with creative ways to acquire funding. Along with our annual gun raffle and several other fund-raising events we work very hard to earn the money we need to be a well-equipped and reliable source of service and protection for Kettlersville, Van Buren Township, as well for all of Shelby County and the surrounding area” Axe said.
He credits the community for coming together for the annual picnic.
“It takes a lot of effort to plan, prepare, and run the picnic. We start planning in January and do it all ourselves from set-up to cleanup and I’m very proud of all those who willingly to lend a hand. It would not be such a success year after year without everyone’s help and I’m thankful for the community spirit that helps make it possible, we have a nice little town and a lot of good people where everyone knows everyone else and we watch out for each other,” Axe said.
Along with the Van Buren Fire Department and their family members, others lending a hand at the picnic will include the Botkins and New Bremen Fire Departments, The Kettlersville 4-H Club, and the Van Buren Ladies Auxiliary and other local residents as well. Axe pointed out the benefits of community participation and how it helps the department noting that currently everything done to acquire and maintain the fire-fighting equipment is done on a volunteer basis with no tax levies in place to provide for the equipment needed to provide valuable services needed.
“In 1998 we set up an Automatic Mutual Aid (AMA) system whereby we joined with Anna, Jackson Center, and Botkins to automatically respond to alarms signaled for structure fires in our villages which benefits everyone, in that respect it’s nice that we all support each other’s events with our attendance to help defray the costs of purchasing new equipment” Axe said. “Another benefit of that system and all the departments working together is the ability to share specialized equipment thereby not placing the burden of cost realized if we all tried to outfit our departments on an individual basis.”
Axe said the department is currently working to replace the 19 air-packs needed to outfit the firefighters in the department and an Ice Rescue (SCBA) Suit.
“Thankfully we received a $9,000 grant from Leugers Insurance Agency but we have a long way to go to get the $128,000 total needed to replace the rest of the air-packs some of which date back to 1980 and are in need of replacement to meet current requirements. At $6,737 a pop, that adds up quickly but compromising on the proper firefighting equipment in not an option when considering the risks involved with saving lives in emergency situations,” Axe said.
Axe continued in noting the importance of public support and the need for the community to rally together to help raise funds for the necessary equipment.
“I’m hoping this article, our signs and some word of mouth advertising will encourage those reading and hearing about it to consider coming to our picnic, we typically answer 125 to 140 calls for fires every year and also assist the EMS squad on every call as well,” said Axe. “We want to be able to continue to provide the best service we can and public financial support is critical in seeing that through. There’s no doubt about the need to be prepared, and participating in our picnic is an investment in the safety of our future.”
Axe said the picnic is always well attended and that this year could be the best ever with lots of good food, beverages, and great entertainment.
“Our picnic is always a good experience because we work hard to make this a great time for all concerned, this year will be no exception and I would like to thank everyone ahead of time for coming and for everything everybody does to help make it a success,” said Axe.
