Chelan Fire and Rescue celebrates 100 years of service

CHELAN — A century of service for Chelan Fire and Rescue was formally recognized at Chelan City Hall on April 14, when Mayor Pro Tem Tim Hollingsworth read a proclamation honoring the department’s 100th anniversary.

Fire Chief Brandon Asher stood with members of the department as the council marked April 18 as Chelan Fire and Rescue Centennial Day, recognizing a legacy that dates to 1926.

In the proclamation, city leaders highlighted the department’s role in protecting life, property and the natural environment, and the work of career and volunteer firefighters who have responded to thousands of calls over the past century.

That recognition carried into a full day of celebration on April 18, with a parade, chili cook-off and evening reception at Vin du Lac Winery.

By mid-morning, Woodin Avenue was filling with families as parade entries staged near the Chelan Ranger District. Hollingsworth, who had read the proclamation days earlier, was among those greeting early arrivals.

The one-way bridge into Chelan from U.S. 97A was closed to traffic but open to pedestrians, drawing a steady stream of people onto the span. At the center, young firefighters holding a parade banner stood with Spokane Pipes & Drums in full Scottish regalia, waiting for the start.

That signal came from above.

At 10 a.m., a restored 1966 Huey helicopter from the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department swept low over the bridge and downtown, the sound of its blades echoing across the lake. Moments later, the parade stepped off.

Fire engines and ladder trucks rolled through town alongside historic vehicles and community entries. A 1958 GMC pumper and a Victoria maroon 1947 Lincoln Continental drew attention, while retired firefighters rode alongside active crews.

Children waved as Sparky the Fire Dog made his way along the route, joined by a number of dalmatians. A small remote-controlled red fire truck drew smiles as it moved along the street.

Rescue boats were also part of the procession, reflecting the demands of fire and rescue work in a lakeside community.

By early afternoon, the celebration moved indoors to Station 71 on East Wapato for a community chili cook-off featuring local restaurants and businesses.

Inside the station, visitors passed displays of turnout gear and equipment before joining the line to sample chili from County Line, Sorrento’s, Even Keel, The Landing, Nonna’s, Campbell’s and Layla’s. After tasting small cups, some served with chips or taquitos, participants voted by marking entry numbers on paper tickets.

Entries ranged from traditional beef and pork recipes to more distinctive approaches. Most kept the spice level mild, while Layla’s stood out for a little heat with a Korean-inspired recipe using gochujang. The Landing’s chili, cooked over 12 hours, drew steady attention.

When votes were tallied later that evening at Vin du Lac Winery, Even Keel was announced as the winner, which tracked — their pot of chili was depleted an hour into the tasting back at the fire hall.

The reception brought the day to a close, giving community members and firefighters a chance to gather after a full day of events.

Taken together, the celebration reflected more than a milestone. From the council chamber to the parade route and the fire station floor, the day highlighted the role Chelan Fire and Rescue has played in the community for 100 years, and the work that will carry it forward.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media