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Ladder 1 ‘push in’ ceremony

 

Friday’s “push in” ceremony for Danville’s newest fire truck, Ladder 1, was a really unique and community-focused way to involve the public in a milestone moment for the city.

Attendees got to check out lots of the new fire truck’s features, including it’s massive 107-foot ladder and a cab that hinges up and away from the engine, giving clear access for maintenance.

Kids got to hose down the truck with water from Tower 11, the now-retired truck that Ladder 1 has replaced. Then everyone got to dry off the new truck and “push” it into the fire station (while City Commissioner Denise Terry handled the accelerator and brakes).

Ladder 1 will be serving the Danville community for the next quarter-century, and it’s also a very substantial purchase using taxpayer dollars. So it’s nice to see firefighters using the fire truck’s arrival as a way to connect with those community members and taxpayers.

Fire Chief Ken Pflug invited anyone who wants to see the truck to come out to the station any time for a tour — just another way Danville firefighters are staying connected and available to the community they serve.

 

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BBQ Festival almost here

 

Just three more days until it’s time for BBQ in the Bluegrass State and Boyle County.

Danville’s summers have been bookended for eight years now by the Great American Brass Band Festival, which always signals the end of school and the beginning of vacation season; and the Kentucky State BBQ Festival, which finishes off the hottest months with a delicious, spicy kick.

Doors open at Wilderness Trail Distillery at 5 p.m. Friday and music on the main stage kicks off an hour later with Rachel Crowe. Our mouths are already watering thinking about all the delicious pulled pork, tender chicken, mind-blowing brisket and more available to enjoy during the festival.

It’s usually the case in Danville-Boyle County that any big event comes with at least one running, walking or biking event, and the BBQ Festival is no different. The Smokin’ Butt 24-mile bike ride begins at 10 a.m. Saturday (for more info, contact info@dbfky.com or 859-238-7669). It’s not tied to the BBQ Festival, but there’s also the Constitution Run for the Arts 5K at 8 a.m. that morning.

Danville-Boyle County is always really good at combining our festivals and events with healthy, fun activities. It’s a combination you don’t always see in other places and we think that makes our little corner of the state extra special.