YPSILANTI, MI – From a century-old fire truck to spraying water at a recreated house fire, fire truck fans of all ages can enjoy an upcoming event at the Michigan Firehouse Museum.
The museum will host its annual fire department collection drive on Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti. The event is free and open to all ages.
“It’s kind of our gift to the community,” said Dave Egeler, operations manager of the museum at 110 W. Cross St.
The event will feature about a dozen historic trucks from the museum and private collectors, Egeler said. Most will be on static display, although at least one truck will pump water from the river and spray it back. The museum also plans to extend the ladder from a 1917 truck.
“We have never seen this before,” said Egeler.
The 1917 truck will be the oldest truck present, but there will also be a 1924 truck, Egeler said. A 1980 truck will be the youngest the museum brings.
Private collectors could also bring the trucks from as far away as Ohio, Egeler said.
“You can’t have historic fire engines without holding a checkpoint where you can exhibit the vehicles,” said Egeler.
Children also have the opportunity to “fight” a simulated house fire using a hand pump, Egeler said.
Admission to the museum is also free on this day.
For more information about the Michigan Firehouse Museum or the upcoming muster, visit online, social media or call 734-547-0663.
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