CRIDERSVILLE — Three new events highlighted the 52nd Cridersville Fireman’s Jamboree, the department’s largest annual fundraiser.
WAR Wrestling, a craft show, and a “Blessing of the Badges” were all new to this year’s event, which ran Friday and Saturday. A large crowd gathered for the wrestling match, which was held in a ring in the middle of Main Street.
“It’s pretty entertaining, I’ll say that much,” said Brian Park, a Columbus resident who attended the Jamboree with his wife, Karen.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, two local pastors conducted the Blessing of the Badges. This new event is something Cridersville Fire Chief Rick Miller hopes to bring back next year.
“It’s for all police, EMS and fire, and it’s meant to show the unity and brotherhood between all the different branches,” Miller said. “They’re all my brothers and sisters, just like I’m theirs, so it’s all about unity and making sure everyone stays safe.”
Miller said bringing new events to the Jamboree each year is vital in keeping the event “fresh.”
“We like to do some different stuff, and I think the new things we’ve brought have been successful,” he said, adding that they also increased the number of rides at the Jamboree.
Along with the new events, the Jamboree featured bingo, a car show, cornhole tournament, 5K run, a kiddie tractor pull, rides, live entertainment, and more. The band Haywired performed Friday night, and Brother Believe Me capped off Saturday’s entertainment.
The live music was the best part of the weekend, Karen Park said.
“We really like listening to the bands and just kind of hanging out,” she said. “Our friend’s son-in-law is in Haywired, so we like them a lot.”
The Parks said they like to come back to the village each year to visit friends, which is what Miller hopes more people do.
“We model it as a ‘come home’ event,’” he said. “We want people to come back to Cridersville and visit with old friends and enjoy the entertainment.”
Linda Howell still lives in Cridersville, but she said the event gives her an opportunity to socialize with friends.
“I just like to see everybody,” Howell said.
For Miller, the annual event can be summed up in six words.
“Small town America at its best.”
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