SILVERTON – Pony rides, bouncy houses, games and a firefighter dunk tank were just part of what turned the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Fall Festival into a full day of family fun.
The festival at the company’s Kettle Creek Road firehouse also brought together runners, motorcycle riders, public-safety agencies, food trucks, vendors and community organizations. Festival Chairman and Assistant Chief Michael Cocco estimated that between 2,000 and 2,500 people attended throughout the day.
“The incredible turnout and participation throughout the day truly shows the amazing support our community has for the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company,” Cocco said.
Food trucks and vendor tables lined the festival grounds, with close to 50 vendors offering food, crafts, local business displays and information from community groups. The Phil Engel Band and Shamrock & Thistle Pipes & Drums added live music to the day.
The Kids Grove gave children plenty to explore, with pony rides, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, face painting and activities from Take Aim Mobile Games. The popular Dunk-a-Firefighter attraction gave youngsters a chance to put a firefighter in the splash zone.
Children also climbed aboard the restored TASC 1955 Engine, Silverton’s first new piece of fire apparatus. The company purchased the pumper from TASC Fire Equipment in Wall Township in 1955. Its first apparatus overall was a 1952 American LaFrance pumper purchased from the Atlantic Highlands Fire Company for $1.
One of the day’s most recognizable visitors arrived on four legs. Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Juan Mercado attended with his partner Sangria, a beautiful horse from the mounted unit. The Sheriff’s Office also offered Child ID services and K-9 demonstrations.
Toms River Police Department K-9 teams demonstrated their work, while Silverton firefighters showed visitors the tools and teamwork used in vehicle extrication. Toms River Fire Prevention personnel spent time with children and shared fire-safety education during the festival.
The company also credited Toms River police officers with providing traffic control and helping keep the 5K, Fun Run and festival safe. The department’s Cadet Program assisted with the races and activities throughout the day.
Additional support came from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Berkeley Emergency Response Team, Silverton EMS, Toms River Regional Schools, Toms River Public Works, the Ocean County Road & Engineering Department and Ocean County College. Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department provided emergency coverage for the Silverton area and district, allowing local firefighters to participate in the event while ensuring the community remained protected.
“It truly takes a community working together to make an event like this possible,” Cocco said. “We are incredibly grateful for all of the organizations that came together to help make our Festival, 5K and Fun Run safe, successful and enjoyable for everyone.”
Race And Ride Results
The day began with approximately 50 motorcycles taking part in the Poker Run. Close to 100 runners participated in the 5K and Fun Run, a newer addition to the event.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Davies Adepoju took first overall in the 5K, finishing in 16:48.6 with a 5:25-per-mile pace. Rebecca Sayegh was the top female finisher, placing eighth overall in 23:18.5. Complete 5K results are available here.
A ceremonial check for $2,500 was presented to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports families of fallen first responders and military service members. The company is still calculating the final fundraising total from the day’s events.
Tradition Keeps Growing
The Fall Festival and Poker Run have been part of the Silverton community for nearly 20 years. Cocco said the event grew out of the company’s former Fire Prevention Week open house, which gradually faded away.
Rather than let that connection with residents disappear, company officers and members created the festival and Poker Run. The 5K and Fun Run were added later after younger firefighters suggested another way for residents to take part.
Proceeds from the festival, races and other fundraising events support upkeep of the firehouse, grounds, equipment and facilities. They also help the volunteer company continue to host community events and maintain a place for members to train and prepare for emergency calls.
Cocco said the community’s support continues to motivate the members of the fire company. “As volunteer firefighters and EMTs, we are honored to be there when someone’s family needs help, when a neighbor is in need, or when someone’s worst day becomes our call to action.”
Cocco said planning for next year’s festival starts almost as soon as the current one ends. For now, the October event gave Silverton and Toms River residents a chance to enjoy a day together while supporting the volunteers who serve them all year long.
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