Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 is currently in the process of preparing for a very significant event—its 250th Anniversary on January 27, 2017. The fire department, which is the second-oldest all-volunteer department in the country, is set to celebrate the occasion as a community with a gala, parade and “The Biggest Party in 250 Years,” held in June 2017 to celebrate during the warmer months.
The reality is that the party actually begins now, with the first-ever “RiverFest,” set for October 17, 2015 from noon to 10 p.m. at the Bordentown City Beach. This event is presented by Hope Hose in partnership with the Farnsworth House Restaurant and is open to all ages. The event will include a children’s activity area with face painters, children’s games and attractions, a vendor market area, a local restaurant’s food court rally, bands and bagpipers all day, and a beer garden open all day featuring a selection of beers with multiple ticket options. The after party will be held at the HOB Tavern starting at 10 p.m.
RiverFest organizers are currently seeking vendors (food, crafts and other goods, community groups) as well as other family-friendly performers of all varieties who would like to share their time and talents with the Bordentown community. They are also actively seeking corporate sponsorships for the anniversary and restoration of the pumper and would like to announce such partnerships at RiverFest.
The proceeds from RiverFest will go to towards the anniversary festivities, as well as the restoration of one of the oldest fire apparatuses in the country—a hand drawn pumper that was built in the early 1700s and remains in Bordentown to this day. It is costly, but it is a dream for the department to share it with the community in time for the anniversary.
To donate, visit the project on GoFundMe at gofundme.com/xdxz9c. To learn more about RiverFest, visit bordentownriverfest.com, Facebook via Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 page or the event page at facebook.com/events/1605581426396734. E-mail: bordentownriverfest@outlook.com.
