Chris Patterson
Emmitsburg News Journal

(7/1) On Saturday, June 27, the Lions Club held its 27th annual Community Day event, paying tribute to the Vigilant Hose Company's 125 years of service by featuring old- time firemen's games enjoyed by children of all ages, such as a race to roll hoses, a bucket brigade, a race to put on real firefighter uniforms and a change to shoot water out of a firehose at a pretend fire.

Other run by the Lions Club included egg and water-balloon tosses, three-legged races, watermelon and pie eating contests and a tug of war. There was a lot of laughing, eggs smashing on heads, water balloons spraying bystanders and a real mess of cherry pie on faces - both young and old - during the pie eating contests.

One of the primary features of the annual event was the Lions Club barbecued chicken dinners served all day. Many volunteers helped to make the day a success, said Lion president Denise Etris.

"Today, members, board members, friends and families of members (have worked on the event). My best friend has been here since 9 a.m. working in the raffle tent all day, so we have a lot of volunteers helping with the event," Etris said after the evening program. "And tonight we have fireworks."

Etris said they have had support from many businesses and individuals who contributed to the fund to help pay for fireworks. This year they were able to get a longer display for less money thanks to Shaefer Fireworks and the many individuals, organizations, businesses and groups that donated to the event.

The becentennial of Elizabeth Ann Seton's arrival in Emmitsburg, was also recognized during the event for her work in education, health care and social services, as well as establishing Sisters of Charity, the first religious sisterhood in the United States.

College scholarships were awarded during the program by the Lions Club to Kourtneuy Roman (Dr. Harry Prongas Scholarship) and to Jaime Orndorff (Robert F Gauff Scholarship).

Folks lined the streets for the evening's parade made even more special by the wonderful showing of Emmitsburg's Vigilant Hose Company's trucks, Etris said. Several VHC vehicles rang bells, flashed lights and otherwise deafened the crowd as they road the parade route to the applause and cheering of those present.