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). Playing Classic Rock & Country from the 70s to today.
- Food vendors– Hobo’s Cafe (BBQ food), April’s Maple, Jean Ralph Catering, Sweeter than Sugar, Pittsburg Class of 2027 cold/frozen drinks & treats.
- Recreation games– pickleball, disc golf, wiffleball, kickball and all the usual fun at the rec park like the new splash pad & playground!
- 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.
You may be interested in stopping by the library’s book sale next to the park, as well!
Online Store – We have fantastic news! Our online store (firefighter-ems-store.printify.me) is all set and ready to go. Now everyone can show their support for our local heroes by purchasing some cool custom gear. You can also grab a yard sign to cheer on our heroes! Imagine your whole neighborhood decked out in these signs of support. The best part is that the profit from each item will benefit the department of your choice. The store will remain open until the end of December, so these items could make some lovely Christmas gifts. We’re starting things off with some classic goodies, but we’re always open to new ideas. If you have any suggestions, feel free to reach out to Angela Flanagan at freedom05903@gmail.com. Let’s all come together and show our support for our local heroes! (Calendar Contest- discontinued due to lack of interest.)
You can also support your local heroes by donating to the department of your choice at Paypal or Venmo @CanaanNaturallyConnected (last four of phone 2598). Please add a memo for what department your donation is for and it will get directed accordingly. Big thanks to Canaan Naturally Connected for the tech hookup and Angie Flanagan for setting up and maintaining our online store. Just point your generosity compass to your chosen department, and all proceeds will get there safe and sound.
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.
We look forward to a joyful day, celebrating with community members! Bring a camp chair or picnic blanket and enjoy! We appreciate your help in spreading the word by sharing the Facebook Event!
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, April Busfield, Al Buckley & Laurie Daley
This event is being made possible by contributions and volunteer hours from the above organizing organizations, as well as a grants from the Tillotson North Country Foundation, Ben & Jerry’s Foundation and sponsorship from The Colebrook Kiwanis Club and promotional support from Don Noyes Chevrolet. 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), Kyle Daley (pickleball), Angie Flanagan (online store & calendar contest fundraisers), Kim Sweatt (assistance with tokens of appreciation), Harland Crawford (parking signs), Michael Kent (photos), our local department chiefs and the list keeps growing! All are welcome to join in!
Special thanks to NH Executive Councilor for District 1- Joe Kenney for coming to speak and deliver a citation to each department, for VT Senator Russ Ingalls for coming to speak and for NH Governor Kelly Ayotte for having a commendation for the occasion hand delivered from her office. Additional letters of support that came in from elected officials are below:
- VT Governor, Phil Scott
- U.S. Senator for Vermont, Peter Welch
- U.S. Senator for New Hampshire- Jeanne Shaheen
- U.S. Senator for New Hampshire- Maggie Hassan
- Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint
- NH Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander
Copies of letters will be provided to the departments and are available to be seen here.
