Antique fire trucks to put on a Sunday show in Buttonwoods
By PETE FONTAINE
One of the state’s most historic nonprofits – the Rhode Island Antique Fire Apparatus – has two assignments for this Sunday’s annual Fire Truck Show.
First, there will be lots and lots of yesteryear fire apparatus on display at the manicured, seaside grounds of the Masonic Youth Foundation at 115 Long Street in the Buttonwoods section of Warwick.
“There will be free entry and parking,” said Richard Quetta, a longtime company official who also owns an old fire truck in perfect condition, earlier this week. “We invite the public and hope the people who come to enjoy our annual show”; all we ask is that they bring a new unwrapped toy for needy families that we will be distributing over the holidays.
Quetta, whose late brother Frank J. Quetta Jr. was captain of the Providence Fire Department and was promoted after his death from injuries sustained in a fire while on duty, will have his Ward fire truck LaFrance from 1957 which serves as a special memorial to his late brother, added: “There will be family fun as well as burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks provided by Providence Canteen.”
The event, which was previously held at places like Johnston War Memorial Park and will be held for the first time at the Masonic Center, will also include a Fire-matic flea market and musical entertainment by Joe Vingi of Pleasure Sounds Unlimited with the famous Palestine Shiners Clowns.
While there will also be a unique display of vintage fire trucks, the Ocean State Vintage Haulers and the Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collectibles Club will make their very first appearance and fill the specious grounds of the Masonic Youth Center with ageless trucks and cars. ‘extraordinary amenities.
Likewise, the Warwick Fire Department will perform a demonstration while the Warwick Police Department’s unique K-9 will be on hand for another unique display.
“We’ve been told time and time again that our FREE show is a fun event for families as well as people who appreciate the history of fire apparatus over the years. So please consider attending our show and help support our special toy drive which will once again place toys for children from needy families directly under the tree during the holidays.
People will also be able to photograph their children around the many unique vehicles that will be on display on Sunday throughout the pristine park. The FREE show, as announced by Quettta, will open at 10 a.m. and run until 3 p.m.