Lighting Up the Guesthouse: The Unforgettable 150th Anniversary of the Volunteer Fire Department Kuhs
Fellow partisans of Kuhser mark their 150th anniversary with an official withdrawal of membership
The volunteer firefighters of Kuhs won't be toasting their 150-year legacy in a quiet, intimate gathering on the 3rd of May. Oh, no. Instead, they're pulling out all the stops for a grand extravaganza, inviting fellow fire departments from across the district to join the festivities. But before the celebration kicks off, there's a competition to conquer.
Competition: The Burning Contender
The competition starts at 10 am sharp, with the coolest, fittest, and most skilled firefighters vying for supremacy at eight stations scattered across the local landscape, even reaching out to neighboring villages. The battlefield is vast, but the stakes are high. The best in the youth and active categories will be crowned, with a blend of traditional firefighting skills and modern challenges.
The Kuhs and youth teams are in this together, each with eight registered participants. For the first time ever, the fire department from Güstrow is joining the fray. Although they fall outside the Güstrow-Land district, they'll participate and compete on equal terms, but they can't snag the traveling trophy.
Fire and Friendship: Joining forces with Güstrow
Ronald Knuppel, the district department leader, welcomed the Güstrow team to beef up cooperation. They've already worked together in training sessions and joint deployments. Sharing the experience of a competition is just another step towards improving teamwork and camaraderie.
And in case you're wondering, Ronald had to get his hands on a new traveling trophy this year. Since the Karcheez team has snagged the trophy three times in a row, they've earned the right to keep it. Although the results were close, the Karcheez team seems like the team to beat, but remember, this is all about having fun!
Sizzlin' Hot Fun and Firetruck Parade
After the competition, the public festivities will commence around 1 pm at the Kuhs festival grounds. Firefighting games, a bouncy castle, and more engrossing activities will keep you entertained. Food and drinks will be provided in abundance, making sure you don't leave with an empty stomach. Ulf Kalisch describes the day as having a "small-town carnival vibe."
The cherry on top of this fire-cooked sundae happens around 2 pm. A parade of fire-engine giants is set to kick off in Sarmstorf and make its way to Kuhs, potentially causing some minor disruptions on the B103 during that time. In Kuhs, a vintage fire-engine carriage pulled by horses will also join the procession, showcasing a historical glimpse into 150 years of firefighting innovations, according to Ulf Kalisch.
The Phoenix Rises: The Resurgence of the Volunteer Fire Department Kuhs
By the time the horse-drawn carriage makes its triumphant return to the festival site around 3 pm, the award ceremony will take place. And when the sun sets, the real party begins, with a DJ spinning tunes and some surprises guaranteed to keep things burning bright.
The fact that the Volunteer Fire Department Kuhs has managed to reach its 150th anniversary is no small feat, considering they faced the prospect of shutting their doors a few years ago, with only five members on their roster. "But we managed to rebuild our fire department," explains Ulf Kalisch. "Now we have 18 members, including many new recruits. We're proud of what we've achieved, making this celebration all the more significant."
```markdownEnrichment Data:Currently, there are numerous fire departments celebrating their 150th anniversaries:
- Milwaukee Fire Department: Celebrating their 150th anniversary by showcasing historical events and remembering their services[1][3].
- Modesto Fire Department: Celebrating their 150th anniversary while honoring the dedication of their firefighters[2].
- Westfield Fire Department: Marking their 150th anniversary with a parade and celebration on June 21, 2025[4].
If you are interested in more details about specific competitions or anniversaries, it might be helpful to check local fire department announcements or event listings.```
Sports are an integral part of the extravaganza, as the competition, titled "The Burning Contender," sees the coolest, fittest, and most skilled firefighters go head-to-head at various stations, Testing their traditional firefighting skills and modern challenges.
Visitors at the public festivities, set to begin around 1 pm, can engage in a fun-filled day of firefighter games, food, drinks, and a Firetruck parade, all reminiscent of a small-town carnival.