Annual fire muster set for Sunday in J'Burg
BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer

JAMESBURG — The borough will play host to the 18th annual Fire Muster organized by the Tri-County Fire Association on Sunday.

Fire trucks from across New Jersey and beyond will take part in a motorcade and show in Thompson Park, according to John Rieth, a member of the fire association organizing the event.

"It's an antique fire show, like a car show," he said, "but there will probably be a few modern ones because some fire companies do not have older ones."

The motorcade of fire trucks will start at 10 a.m.

"We will have a little parade, called a motorcade, where the trucks drive through for a little bit. Some come from a distance, even from out of state," Rieth said.

Rieth said the goal is to have at least 30 antique trucks involved, and those belong mostly to volunteer departments around the state. He is hoping for good weather, as that will help bring out more of the antiques. Some of the trucks are enclosed, but others are not supposed to be out in bad weather, he said.

The fire muster will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. alongside the lake in Thompson Park. The event will include a pumping competition, as well as a firematic flea market where visitors can buy memorabilia, gifts, toys, truck models and other items. "Anything related to fire service," Rieth said of the sale. "Some of the fire companies sell some of their stuff to raise money." Various vendors and collectors will also set up shop.

Rieth said vendors will be on one side of the site; fire trucks on the other.

There will also be some healthy competition, with judges giving out awards to superlative trucks, he said.

Some of the antique trucks expected are those designed to be pulled by hand or horse, though no actual horses are expected. "They just park them," Rieth said of those trucks.

Many of the trucks will come from departments in Middlesex County, as those in Monroe, Jamesburg, East Brunswick and other local towns are expected to participate. Departments in Monmouth and Mercer counties have also been confirmed to participate.

Though this is the 18th year for the fire muster, it is only the third to be held in Jamesburg. Other venues have included Lakehurst and Red Bank.