'Fire on the Green' Helps Bedford Firefighters (Photos)

Good weather and a steady gathering of people marked Saturday's Fire on the Green, which was held in Bedford Village and serves as a major fundraiser for the Bedford Fire Department.

The event was mostly held on the Village Green, with live music from several acts, face painting, a table selling fire department apparel, sand art, a toss game for goldfish, an inflatable fire truck slide, an inflatable kids' castle and a Boy Scouts table. The firehouse across the street served as a kitchen, with hamburgers, hotdogs, snow cones and fried Oreos available.

Safety demonstrations were also prominent. The fire department also had a trailer to simulate response drills, while New York State Police made a visit with a rollover vehicle simulator that shows what happens when people do not wear seat belts. During the evening, an extrication demonstration was held, where firefighters tore an old car to pieces to show how they would save a passenger who is trapped after an accident.

Fire on the Green serves as a fundraiser to give the fire department revenue beyond taxes, according to event chairperson Donna Orrico. It is held every two years, with other fundraisers including a block party and car show, direct mailings to residents and pancake breakfasts. 

Having sunny weather, of course, was a benefit.

“It gives everybody a chance to come and enjoy a great day under this great weather," she said. "We really lucked out with this.”