We are pleased to invite all firefighters and families that serve northern Coos County, NH and northeastern Essex County, VT to the first ever Firefighter Appreciation Day in Canaan, VT, on July 19, 2025 at the Canaan Recreation Park, located at 6745 VT Route 102. 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 and EMS providers 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– BBQ food, sweets, lemonade…
- 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!
- Fundraisers: 50/50 raffle, merchandise sales, 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.
Food & community resource vendors wishing to sign up for a space, please fill out the registration form by July 5th, where further details can be found.
Donate to the department of your choice at Paypal or Venmo @CanaanNaturallyConnected (last four of phone 2598)
We look forward to a joyful day, celebrating with community members! Bring a camp chair or picnic blanket and enjoy! Spread the word by sharing the Facebook Event!
Parking info: Handicapped drop-off available at the Canaan Rec Park parking lot, where firetrucks from each department will be on display. All other parking across the road. Follow signage and parking directors. Parking available at the ball fields, Canaan School and Border Tool & Die.
With respect from 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 & trash/recycling), 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 & calendar contest fundraisers), Kim Sweatt (assistance with tokens of appreciation), Harland Crawford (parking signs), Brad Woodard (assistance with coordinating fire dept. involvement), April Busfield (Canaan Rec park committee) and the list keeps growing! All are welcome to join in!
