Firefighters celebrate 100th anniversary at annual ball

KENT — Approximately 700 people turned out on Saturday evening, June 11, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD). The new 15,000-square-foot firehouse, opened in 2008, was transformed into a festive venue complete with fire-themed decorations. Tables were set in white, red and black. There were plenty of balloons. Colorful bunting hung from the ceiling. Dawn Molnar, chairwoman of the ball, said, “Last year we had about 600 attendees and this year we expect close to 700 people, depending on the weather.” The weather cooperated. The rain that was falling when the first guests began arriving moved out of the area quickly.Karren Garrity, a selectman and KVFD member, said, “This is a great opportunity to see lots of people from town and, at the same time, support the fire department.”Denise Howard of Key of D Music and Karaoke provided music for listening and dancing. Tunes included swing, jazz and hits from bygone days as well as some more contemporary favorites. A dance floor was set up in the center of the room.Outside the firehouse was a display of shiny fire apparatus from Kent and other towns.KVFD Chief Eric Epstein stood at the entrance to welcome guests, as he has been doing for 11 years as the company’s chief. Epstein said there are about 75 members of the fire department. Many of the fire company volunteers wore their distinctive red, white and black dress uniforms. While some attendees were casually dressed, many dressed up for the event; men in jackets and ties with women in long dresses.Epstein said this is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the KVFD and it is also the 100th annual fundraising Firemen’s Ball.As at past balls, a roast beef dinner was served, though this year chicken and pasta were added to the menu. As usual, 65-year KVFD member Bill Tobin was in charge of cooking the beef. In a tent set up adjacent to the firehouse, Tobin was in charge of volunteers who prepared the roasts with special seasonings and were cooking them on a massive outdoor grill. Tobin said they started out with 28 roasts and had more ready to be used if needed. Appetizers were provided by local businesses including the Bulls Bridge Inn; Club Getaway; the Fife ’n Drum; J.P. Gifford Market and Catering; Kent Pizza Garden; Panini Cafe; The Kent; The Villager; Tuckers and Wasabi.Three-year-old Skyy Blue, outfitted in a white party dress, attended her third annual Firemen’s Ball with her parents and grandmother. She was 2 months old at her first ball.Probably the oldest participant at the festivities was 92-year-old William Newton, who has been a member of the fire company for 75 years.