RI Antique Fire Apparatus Society set for 12th annual truck and equipment show

By Pete Fontaine
Posted 9/21/16

The Rhode Island Antique Fire Apparatus Society will host its 12th annual truck and equipment show Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the new and still-expanding campus of New England Tech in East Greenwich. We'll have"

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RI Antique Fire Apparatus Society set for 12th annual truck and equipment show

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The Rhode Island Antique Fire Apparatus Society will host its 12th annual truck and equipment show Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the new and still-expanding campus of New England Tech in East Greenwich.

“We’ll have something for everyone,” said Richard Quetta, the society’s public relations chairman. “Remember, there’s always a little kid in all of us. And who doesn’t like those shiny red fire engines?”

Quetta, who has his own antique fire truck named in memory of his late brother, added, “Admission is absolutely free, and we’ll gladly accept new, unwrapped toys for local charities.”

People will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind t-shirts, hats, patches, coffee mugs and dash plaques, enjoy refreshments and view many old-time fire trucks owned and maintained by members of the Antique Fire Apparatus Society.

“This is a display of antique motorized fire apparatus and other memorabilia,” Quetta said. “For those people who have been to the Antique Fire Truck Museum in East Greenwich, this is a similar show but on a much, much larger scale.”

Sunday’s annual presentation will include Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog. Noted entertainer Mike Delyi will provide music.

“We’re also having wood sculptor Mike Higgins at the show,” Quetta said. “His work is extraordinary, and we’ll hold a raffle for two wooden sculptures he’ll make.”

One, as Quetta proudly noted, “will be a display depicting the three firefighters from Sept. 11 raising the American flag, and another will be a lighthouse. People will be amazed with Mike’s great talents and workmanship.”

The Antique Fire Apparatus Society was founded in 2004 by eight people who own a total of five antique fire trucks. Today, Quetta reported the membership at 150 members with approximately 80 antique vehicles.

Anyone with a piece of antique fire apparatus who’d like to display their wares at Sunday’s show is urged to call Paul Salvas at 241-6913. There’s also plenty of free parking at the New England Tech campus, located at 1408 Division Road in East Greenwich on the land that once housed the famous Rocky Hill Fair. 

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