Firetrucks Roll into Bedford for Annual Parade Friday

The 88-year-old Bedford Village Fire Department hosts its annual parade tonight, complete with shined fire engines, pumpers, tankers, rescue trucks, ambulances and chiefs' trucks.

They'll be led by local Sue Welch in her 1998 “Indy 500” pace car Corvette, and Grand Marshall Joanne Aquilino, ex-fire chief, according to Peter Lazaro, assistant fire chief.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. at The Farms Road and after winding along Route 22 finishes just past the Village Green. After the march, parade guests are invited behind the firehouse for hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks, said Lazaro.

Trucks from other local departments in Bedford, Katonah, Banksville and Pound Ridge will drive along the route, joined by fire members from as far as Mamaroneck and Ossining. Other emergency responders will also participate, such as local ambulance corps and the Westchester County Special Operations HAZMAT and Technical Rescue Teams.

Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts will be joined by other local elected officials on the reviewing stand including County Legislator Peter Harkham and Assemblyman Robert Castelli.

"Parking will be tight, as it usually is," said Lazaro. "We recommend the park, church parking lots and along Pound Ridge Road."

Trophies will be awarded in a range of categories from uniforms to equipment to music and best junior fire department. Awards are presented after the parade. 

The forecast is for thunderstorms; check back with Patch for cancellation information.