Courtesy of The Bennington Banner

BENNINGTON -- Throughout Bennington this weekend, residents and visitors -- some in historically accurate garb -- celebrated the 237th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, and the 50th annual Bennington Battle Day Parade.

On Saturday, the official holiday, the Bennington Battle Monument offered free admission and hosted a re-enactment of life in a Revolutionary War camp. Demonstrations of cannon and musket firings were performed throughout the day, including at 9:30 a.m. to kick off the Bennington Battle Day 5K, which benefitted the Friends of the Bennington Battle Monument. The day came to a close the same way it ended -- loudly -- with fireworks shot off from Willow Park.

Sunday's parade, led by Grand Marshal Rick Knapp, a former Bennington fire chief and current volunteer who has organized the parade for 17 years, saw several notables attend, including Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott and Smokey the Bear. Scott gave a speech in which he talked about the history of the parade and thanked all of the firefighters in attendance for their service. Bennington state representative Mary Morrissey also spoke, saying, "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our awesome volunteer fire department."

The fire departments were indeed the highlight of the parade, with at least 17 departments from three states participating. The departments present included Bennington Village; Bennington Rural; Shaftsbury; Rutland; Adams, Ma.; Pownal; North Bennington; East Pownal; Hoosick, N.Y.; Arlington; White Creek, N.Y.; Manchester; Dorset; Cambridge, N.Y.; Philmont, N.Y.; North Hoosick, N.Y.; and Hoosick Falls, N.Y.

The parade was emcee'd from the Four Corners by Magic 590am DJ Ben Patten, who, after the speeches were completed, joked, "We've only got the road blocked off until 3! Fire up the band, let's get this parade going!" At his cue the Mount Anthony Union High School Band began to play "God Bless America," and the parade began in earnest.

The Alerts won four trophies in the parade, most of any entered unit despite fighting a structure fire at 2:30 AM the same day as the parade.

Courtesy of iBerkshires

ADAMS, Mass. — Firefighters swiftly contained a house fire early Sunday morning, saving more than a dozen pets.

The Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 2:30 a.m. at 27 Water St. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the back of the two-story house, and some witnesses said flames were visible. "The first arriving units were on the scene within three minutes, and the external fire was knocked down within five to seven minutes," Fire Chief Paul Goyette said. "Then the fire got into the voids of the structure so we had to do a lot of opening up."

Goyette said they were able to get everyone out of the house safely and rescue most of the pets in the house. "Everybody got out OK," he said. "We also rescued 10 iguanas and one cat; two iguanas didn't make it." Goyette said the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.

Adams received mutual aid from the North Adams and the Cheshire fire departments. The Clarksburg Fire Department covered the Adams station; North Adams Ambulance sent its rehab trailer and Adams Ambulance had two ambulances on scene.

Goyette said even though the damage is extensive, he thinks the house will be saved. "The damage is quite extensive. At this time, the town building inspector looked at it, and [the insurance company] and him will determine if the structure has to come down or not," Goyette said. "I do not at this time believe it will, but there a lot of cogs that work in that decision."

Courtesy of the Berkshire Eagle

ADAMS - Tools of the trade, including rope, rescue harnesses, helmets and pulleys are on the way to the Alert Hose Co. thanks to a Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation grant from the William and Margery Barrett Fund. The grant was written by Assistant Chief Dave Lennon.

The $2,000 contribution "allows us to replace rope that was past its certified lifespan and expand our ability to safely equip firefighters involved in rope rescue situations," according to Adams Fire Chief Paul "P.J." Goyette.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation dispenses more that $7 million each year through grants and scholarships.

Courtesyof iBerkshires / Friday, August 08, 2014

ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Alert Hose Company has restored a 19th-century hose cart that is now on display at the Park Street branch of Adams Community Bank in Adams.

The restoration project began several years ago as past Foreman Jason Leja involved many of the fire company members in dismantling and cleaning the parts before sending to various places for restorations. The wheels were restored by hand by Amish in Pennsylvania. Upon their return, the project was handed off to then Foreman Scott Frye. Using paint found at the fire house, it was painted by local painter William LaBonte. Donating all of his time to the task, it took him about three months to complete. The wheel hubs along with the handles of the hose reel were sandblasted and powder coated at no cost to the Fire Department by Joe White, owner of Powder Shield Technologies. It took more than 100 hours of labor to complete the full restoration of the cart.

After completion, Adams Community Bank President & CEO Charles P. O'Brien was approached by current Foreman Mike Therrien and asked about the possibility of displaying it during the summer months at the Park Street branch, located directly next door to the fire station.  We’d be proud to display such a beautiful piece of Adams’ history for all to enjoy,” O'Brien said.

The hand-drawn hose cart was a functioning piece of equipment in the town during the 19th century. Over the years, it has appeared in many parades being pulled by apprentices from the Alert Hose Company.

Founded in 1876, Alert Hose Company No. 1 is an all-volunteer organization serving the town of Adams.