We are pleased to invite all firefighters and families that serve northern Coos County, NH and northeastern Essex County, VT to a first ever Firefighter Appreciation Day on July 19, 2025 at the Canaan Recreation Park, located at 6745 VT Route 102 in Canaan, VT. We especially want to honor our local fire departments of Beecher Falls, Colebrook, Errol, Pittsburg and Stratford, as well as our emergency medical service providers: 45th Parallel EMS and Errol Rescue Squad.
This free public event, open to all, has been organized in order to recognize and celebrate all of our hard-working and courageous volunteer firefighters that serve our communities. It will be a fun summer afternoon, taking place, rain or shine, from 3-8 p.m. Highlights include:
- Live music on the Catamount Arts stage by Hidden Agenda Reprise Band (featuring local favorite- Tom Frizzell)
- Food vendors
- Recreation games- pickleball, disc golf, kids: wiffleball, kickball & obstacle course and all the usual fun at the rec park!
- Resource vendor fair- get to know your community!
- 50/50 raffle & t-shirt sales as fundraisers
- Cornhole:
Our local firefighters consistently demonstrate exceptional courage, commitment, and selflessness in protecting our communities, responding to emergencies with unwavering professionalism, and going above and beyond to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. We aim to express our profound gratitude for their tireless efforts, as a reminder that their contributions are deeply valued and appreciated by the entire region. Town Managers, Governors of Vermont and New Hampshire and other dignitaries will be invited to this special event.
We are asking for local firefighters who wish to attend to please RSVP to the Google Form at https://tinyurl.com/Firefighter-05903 by 6/1/25 in order to receive a free meal at the event, and a token of our appreciation. We are truly thankful for all you do, and recognize the selfless sacrifices you make for the safety and well being of others.
We are seeking resource vendors and food vendors to be part of this event. Resource vendors are being considered as organizations and groups that provide services to our communities or ways to get involved. (Please understand that arts & crafts vendors will not be accepted.) It is encouraged to offer fun, interactive activities at vendor booths to add to the attractions of the event. Vendors wishing to sign up for a space, please fill out the registration form by July 5th, where further details can be found.
We look forward to a joyful day, celebrating with community members! Bring a camp chair and enjoy! Spread the word by sharing the Facebook Event!
The organizers of the Firefighter Appreciation Day:
- Canaan Recreation Park Committee & Canaan Naturally Connected
Contact Diana Rancourt at 802-266-3036 or ran3@myfairpoint.net - The Community Builders Hub
Contact Britni Haley at 802-277-1974 or britni@thecbh.org - Additional Committee Members include: Paul Lyons, Zach Brown, Vern Crawford, Angela Flanagan & Laurie Daley
This event is being made possible by contributions and volunteer hours from the above organizing organizations, as well as a grant from the Tillotson North Country Foundation and sponsorship from The Colebrook Kiwanis Club. We are grateful for our many in-kind contributors/volunteers who are helping out in various ways as well: The Town of Canaan (administrative help & police coverage), David Begin (tents), Cheryl Cote (pitch tournaments), Terrie Herr & Canaan Naturally Connected volunteers (sponsor & directing parking), Butch Ladd of the North Country Chamber of Commerce (emcee), Scott Leigh (cornhole tournament), April Wallace, Pittsburg Key Club, Braden Rosenberg & Kyle Daley (recreation games), Angie Flanagan (online store & fundraisers), Kim Sweatt (assistance with tokens of appreciation), Brad Woodard (assistance with coordinating fire dept. involvement), Harland Crawford (parking signs), April Busfield (Canaan Rec park committee) and the list keeps growing! All are welcome to join in!
