Heidelberg VFD brings back Fall Fest

Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department hosted its first Fall Fest in 2021, around the time that residents of the borough and surrounding communities were starting to participate in activities following the prolonged limitations caused by covid-19.

“We were really excited to finally bring everyone together,” Noah Wanielista, fire department vice president, said.

So the firefighters brought it back for 2022 on the fall’s first Saturday, and that turned out to be a good choice, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures greeting the well-attended festivities.

Featured were booths offering games, food and drink, along with inflatable attractions for youngsters, visits by portrayers of superheroes and a solid lineup of performers: country music by Frank Vieira, oldies and classic rock by the Mansfield 5, and polka by both accordion whiz Johnny Koenig and the Western Pennsylvania SNPJ Button Box Club.

The event also served as a prelude to Fire Prevention week, and members of the department were happy to discuss what they do and how people can stay safe.

“We’re glad to bring everyone down here to celebrate fire prevention and to celebrate Heidelberg, in general,” Wanielista said. “Our department is over a hundred years old, and we have a good membership now, over 20 strong.”

And for anyone in the borough who is interested in serving the community, “We’re always looking for more.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HVFD170.