Firefighters hold day of fun for kids

Monday, July 19, 1999 | 9:48 a.m.

Local families will have a chance to get to know some of the community's firefighters when firefighters and rescue personnel gather at Mount Charleston Golf Resort on Highway 157 for a day of fun.

What began as competition for the volunteer fire department similar to the International Firefighter Games has evolved into more of a day for children, Pat Vannozzi, firefighter at Mount Charleston Fire and Rescue, said.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, children can participate in dozens of games, such as the balloon bust, sponge pass, water-balloon toss and three-legged boot races.

There will be food vendors, raffles and free prizes.

Most of the games revolve around fire safety for children. Representatives from the Clark County Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service will talk on fire safety and Metro K-9 units will do demonstrations.

Flight for Life and Air Life 7 rescue helicopters will be on display as well as antique fire engines.

Families will be entertained by firefighters as they struggle to win in games such as hose relays, equipment donning contests and monkey drills.

Proceeds from the days event will benefit Mount Charleston Fire and Rescue to purchase specialized equipment and to support training such as avalanche schools and other programs unique to Mount Charleston.

"We'd like to get a lot of kids out here," Vannozzi said. "This as a good opportunity to teach children about fire safety.