by Jamie Carter

   Every summer the Dupo Volunteer Fire Department gives the community of Dupo a gift.  They already give of their time, talent and efforts to provide us with reliable fire and emergency medical care year round.  As if that weren’t enough they also throw the community’s biggest party every year in the form of the Annual Firemen’s Picnic. Once again they did a tremendous job!

This year’s picnic began Friday evening, July 10^th with the opening of the Fish and Barbecue stands.  Each of them practically a summer time tradition in Dupo.  For those attending the picnic and for those who just come for carryout.  The evening was filled with music as the Big Boss Blues Band led by Mark Peebles performed in the pavilion.  And the Carnival midway opened with its various games and rides.  Especially the Roundup and Moby Dick rides which were very busy.

Saturday, July 11^th was filled with events.  The Firemen’s Muster began at 11:00 a.m.  Firemen from Dupo, Prairie Du Pont, Cahokia, Camp Jackson and Columbia volunteer fire departments competed in various events designed to test their ‘muster’.  The competition is unique and must be seen to be appreciated.  It is truly a competition and the teams take it very seriously but at the same time there is a true spirit of camaraderie among these firemen.  In addition, it is a family oriented affair as many of the firemen’s children, wives and other family members attended and supported their departments.

The parade (always the biggest in Dupo each year) began at 5:00 p.m.  This years Grand Marshal was Fredbird, appropriately riding in Danny Biggs’ vintage red Pontiac convertible.  Riding beside him was Gateway Grizzlies mascot Izzie the Grizzly. There was another honored guest in the parade this year as local child Reid Crippen rode in the lead Fire Truck. A wish that was provided him through the Make A Wish foundation.  He was joined in the truck by his brother Robert Crippen and sister Cheyanne Crippen. The parade was highlighted by the various Moolah Shriner teams and their mini karts, other vintage and custom cars, floats and displays from local businesses and churches.  And a special appearance by the State playoff 4^th place Dupo Varsity Girls Softball team riding atop a fire truck. The parade was fun as usual.

The weather made an appearance shortly after the parade, dumping rain on the picnic grounds and delaying the wrestling matches which were scheduled for 6:00 p.m.  Once the weather broke the show went on as folks were entertained by the athletic ability of these local athlete/performers. Not long after that the band Breach of Peace took the stage performing mostly rock classics of the 90’s.  While it was warm and muggy out for most of Saturday afternoon and evening it didn’t seem to diminish the enthusiasm or attendance of picnic goers.  Once again the Dupo Volunteer Fire Department has done a great job in providing an event that not only entertains families but also provides a chance for our community to come together if only for a day or two.