Newell welcomed new community event
A TEAM EFFORT — Ten youth tried pulling a 14-ton pumper truck belonging to the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, one of several activities offered during the first Newell Fun Day held Saturday by the department and the Newell Community Improvement Coalition. -- Warren Scott
WET FUN — Five-year-old Olivia Warner of New Cumberland was among many children who enjoyed running through the water sprayed by inflated “fire hydrants” set up outside the Newell Volunteer Fire Department Community Center Saturday as part of Newell Fun Day, a new event organized by the fire department and the Newell Community Improvement Coalition. -- Warren Scott
A TEAM EFFORT — Ten youth tried pulling a 14-ton pumper truck belonging to the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, one of several activities offered during the first Newell Fun Day held Saturday by the department and the Newell Community Improvement Coalition. -- Warren Scott
WET FUN — Five-year-old Olivia Warner of New Cumberland was among many children who enjoyed running through the water sprayed by inflated “fire hydrants” set up outside the Newell Volunteer Fire Department Community Center Saturday as part of Newell Fun Day, a new event organized by the fire department and the Newell Community Improvement Coalition. -- Warren Scott
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NEWELL -- Among many events held this weekend in Hancock County was a festival organizers hope will become something area residents look forward to each year.Volunteers with the Newell Community Improvement Coalition and Newell Fire Department teamed to hold the first Newell Fun Day, with many of its activities occurring outside the former Wells Junior High School converted into a community center by the fire department about 30 years ago.
Many patronized food trucks offering barbecued food, tacos and other food while children enjoyed inflatable attractions, including two replicas of fire hydrants that sprayed water, a prelude of what was to come.
A highlight of the day was a "water parade," a procession down Washington Street in which the many participants and spectators exchanged fire with water pistols.
Bev Enochs, the coalition's president, said it was among ideas shared by Matt and Heather Wicks, who drew on their experiences attending a festival in Eagle, Idaho while suggesting a street fair for Newell.
Heather said her husband, a native of Newell, moved west as a youth because of his father's work and the two lived in Eagle, a suburb of Boise before he returned to his hometown to work in his family's business, Homer-Laughlin China Co.
While in Idaho, the pair attended Eagle Fun Day, a yearly event that included a rodeo.
Matt said he's happy to be working with others to bring together area residents and visitors to the community.
Heather said among ideas for future Newell Fun Days are a mud volleyball tournament and a foot race, though organizers were able to hold a cornhole tournament that drew many.
She said the event may return earlier next summer because this year's was held at a time when many students are preparing for the new school year, particularly athletic programs.
Newell Fire Chief Tim Steele said the fire department had been planning to bring food trucks to the center this weekend along with its weekly flea market and dime bingo, which it normally holds at 6 p.m. each Wednesday and Saturday, and agreed to build on that with the coalition.
The department also invited teams of 10 to try their hand at pulling its 1999 E-One pumper truck on nearby Jefferson Street.
Steele said the vehicle weighs about 14 tons, including equipment and 1,000 gallons of water.
Two teams attempted to pull the truck, which was placed in neutral by its driver, 50 feet with a 100-foot rope.
A team of teenage boys appeared to accomplish the task, though they may have had a little help from the truck's driver.
Steele said it's the first time, at least in recent years, the department has held such an event, though members have engaged in "battle of the barrel" competitions with other firefighters.
He said of Newell Fun Day, "This is the first big event we've had here in 10 to 15 years. It's nice to get things going again. Hopefully it will be bigger each year."
Enochs said the coalition has been involved in various efforts to beautify and bring attention to the community, but it was the first event for the group.
A handful of local businesses set up special booths outside during the day or posted signs welcoming visitors.
Enochs said the coalition hopes to encourage more business involvement next year.
"This year will be a learning experience, and we hope to add more things next year," she said.