Volunteers since 1883

Today was the annual party with a stand up comedian, a singer and fire shows in day happening to celebrate the Volunteer Fire Department of small town Pälkäne. In the evening party there will be dancing - tonight a big finnish tango star Kyösti Mäkimattila is goming to perform his show... So there will be dancing and chatting in warm (hope so) night in outdoor stage of Pälkäne tonight!

Please press L / large to see the fire truck lights over the parade...

In Finland the firefighting in the countryside mostly depends on volunteer fire departments, with a contract with the regional emergency authorities. The volunteer fire department plays a big role in giving security and protection to normal and all citizens - as there is no so called professional firequard in finnish countryside. Only in big towns or cities. Or ...well, actuelly there is volunteer fire departments also in cities, but with only a minor role. For excample Tampere city has it's own fully paid professional fire squad, but also a volunteer one. And today a brass band of the volunteer fire department of Tampere was playing (on the right) at the annual party of Pälkäne's fire department, which has been founded in 1883.

Today the volunteer department of Pälkäne has about 60-80 men and some woman, even teens and also children in the group, and they also have 2 modern fire trucks in use. Towners like and really respect these volunteers, they are so proud of them! So there is a big and joyful happening in a smalltwon today. This kind of happenings is not normal in big cities, only in the country.

Now back home, have to go working tomorrow: A beautiful day, with swimming in the beach of Pälkäne is turning to evening. I am sitting in the home garden, it is warm (still +25c) and clear skies. A dog barking somewhere, teens chatting with their friends. Hubby is left to the country - some volunteer job to his friend.

Should I grab a book of Diana the former prinsess, or would it be time for blipworld? Remains to be seen later!

Hope you had a good weekend!

Susanna