Excerpts taken from the October 11, 1990 edition of the Rappahannock Record
Rescue Squad Day blended traditions with a new need
It was a comfortable melding of an old and new tradition Saturday in Irvington: the traditional Fourth of July Irvington Day games and contests remained the same, while the organizers and the monetary benefit went to a much-needed new source.
The Kilmarnock-Lancaster County Rescue Squad picked up the Irvington Day concept this year with a new twist for families — crime prevention, health and safety.
The squad kicked off its annual fund drive this month with a larger need than ever. The new squad building on Harris Drive is expected to break ground before the end of the year; increasing costs for equipment and day-to-day operating expenses have pushed the squad and auxiliary into untried avenues.
Many members double as volunteer firemen and put on similar fund raising events around the county throughout the year. Many of those were in evidence Saturday, helping in food and drink booths, auto extrication demonstrations and other emergency health care displays, giving blood pressure checks, and helping with, and competing in, the games and fun.
It was a great family day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and, if you missed it, check it out next spring when the squad plans a repeat. While turnout couldn’t be considered poor, organizers are hoping for a larger crowd as an early event next year. “People have had something to do every weekend since September,” said auxiliary president Rose Donovan, who coordinated many of the events. “They’re Saturday’d out. I don’t blame them. If we hadn’t needed the money we wouldn’t have tried to bring this off this late in the year.”
For the hundreds who showed up, the day couldn’t have been more fun. The hometown parade was just the right length, with winners going home with trophies and congratulations.
Mid-County Rescue Squad in Northumberland was awarded the trophy for coming the longest distance. Best appearing rescue squad went to Upper Lancaster’s Unit 87. Best float trophies went the the Kilmarnock-Lancaster Co. Volunteer Rescue Squad and to the Bank of Lancaster. Sam Dunaway received most original entry for his twin units entitled “Future Fire Fighters.” Bay Mates of the Northumberland County Recreation Department received best marching unit and Cub Scout Troop 242 of Kilmarnock received the trophy for best walking unit.
In the fire department competition awards were evenly spread. Best appearing pumper, 1,000 gallons or over, went to Middlesex. Best appearing pumper, 750 gallons or under, went to Fairfields. White Stone took best appearing tanker, while Kilmarnock took best appearing brush truck.
In the horseshoe contest, Darren Waller took a first place with seven straight ringers. Ralph Waller followed in second and Archie Mower placed third.
First place co-ed volleyball winners was the team put together by David Nova. Second place went to Donnie Elbourn’s team. In the men’s division, first place went to Danny Carlson’s team, second to Kevin Hutch ins’ team, and third to Jimmy Robertson’s team.
The final contest of the day was between a bevy of beauties to vie for three separate Miss Rescue Squad titles. Winners included: Miss Rescue Squad, Roschelle Ann Brown of Kilmarnock; first runner up, Christina Marie Pittman of White Stone; second runner up, Shelli Lynn Rowe of Topping. Junior Miss Rescue Squad, Tonya Rebecca Lee Brown of Kilmarnock; first runner up, Leslie Ann Pruitt of White Stone; second runner up, Martha Jean Crandall of White Stone. Little Miss Rescue Squad, Brandi Nicole Boles of White Stone and first runner up, Jessica Nicole Walker of Lancaster.
