JOHNSVILLE — Visitors came to eat, play games and socialize Saturday afternoon. But the main attraction for many at the Johnsville Summer Fest was their first chance to see the village’s new fire station.
Capt. Malcolm Sayers welcomed the public with enthusiasm.
“We are absolutely proud of it. This is a state-of-the-art facility for Morrow County,” Sayers said.
Although it won’t officially open until later this year, residents couldn’t wait to get a sneak peek.
“A lot comes out of this building and town. We have HazMat and a dive team working out of here for the entire county. This is our way of showing the community that we are here for them,” Sayers said.
It is officially called the Perry Congress Joint Fire District and serves both of those townships.
Following the playing of the national anthem and the Color Guard raising the flag at noon, the festival opened.
The popular bounce house, skillet toss, crafts, food and games at the fire station and the Perry Cook Memorial Public Library brought hundreds of people to the eastern Morrow County hilltop.
“We appreciate the community (through the passage of a levy) giving it to us. This is for them,” Sayers said.
It’s been about three years since the planning began for the new facility.
Dana Jackson brought her daughter Karissa, who won a pair of sunglasses playing a fishing game at the library.
“We come every year. Our church, North Woodbury Alliance Church, will be playing music. We’re really excited about the new fire house. Our guys really deserve it,” Jackson said.
“Johnsville is very proud of it. This is a good community gathering spot. Last year it rained, but we still had a good turnout.”
Northmor High School brought its band and fall sports teams to the festival.
“This is like a reunion for me,” said Rhonda Masci. She brought her daughters Marishka, 9, and Mikayla, 6.
“I grew up here but live in Wooster now. I went to the elementary school here.”
Rae Wiehe, age 4, barely sat still long enough to have her face painted.
“She never stops jumping. She’s been going non-stop in the bounce house,” said her grandmother Lesa Wiehe of Mount Gilead.
Walter Berg arrived early for the car show to polish his jet stream blue 2008 Corvette Coupe.
“I surely enjoy the festival … I know a lot of people here.”
But like dozens of other folks he had his sights set on other business.
“I’m eager to go down and see the firehouse and eat lunch,” Berg said.
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