TALCOTT W.Va. (WVDN) – In years past, it was not unusual to see an individual or a couple as the parade marshal for John Henry Days. This year, the community has been given something truly unique and special to look forward to. The Talcott Volunteer Fire Department has been chosen to represent in this year’s parade. This may well be a first in the parade to have an entire organization serve in this capacity.
Talcott Fire Chief Bill Costomiris said it came as a shock to learn the department had been chosen, and it was certainly an honor.
Chief Costomiris went on to explain that the current Talcott Fire Department has been participating in John Henry Days since being certified back in 2017.
Costomiris went on to explain that it will be both challenging and rewarding to perform Grand Marshall duties while still fulfilling the regular duties of John Henry Days, such as parking cars.
The chief has yet to decide how to manage being the lead truck, allowing enough people to go through with that, and perform traffic control and other duties, but he feels the department is up for the challenge. The department has new shirts to wear for this special event, and the trucks will be especially shiny and clean for their stroll through the streets as Grand Marshall.
Chief Costomiris also has a special announcement planned for parade day concerning the bright future ahead for the Talcott Fire Department.
The chief said his favorite event at John Henry Days is the fireworks, even though he doesn’t get to enjoy them the same way most people do, since he helps put them off. He says they have to be on scene for safety. He also said he didn’t want to get hopes up, but they may have a solution to the burnout problem with the car show. Hopefully it will be certain by the event.
Don’t miss John Henry Days this year on July 11, 12, and 13 in Talcott.