Parade was farewell

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Mason festival firefighters' last

Sunday, August 23, 1998

BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor

Rex Lumpkin of Dayton, Ohio, waters down the coals Saturday as he cooks pork chops and chicken. (Ernest Coleman photos) | ZOOM |

MASON -- The daylong Heritage Festival proved to be the swan song for the Joint Mason-Deerfield Joint Fire District, which dissolves in October when two new fire departments open in southern Warren County.

"It's a damn shame it didn't work out," Chief William Goldfeder said. "That's a big issue today. We're all thinking about it."

The Heritage Festival, the year's largest festival in Mason, drew nearly 30,000 for Saturday's parade and festivities. Many of those there, primarily from Mason and Deerfield Township, lamented the passing of the joint fire district. Fire trucks lined up single file along the parade route and were greeted by residents' warm applause as the engines rounded each turn.

The decision to fold the shared district came after Mason and Deerfield Township officials tussled over several issues, including the city's annexation of tax-rich land from the township. Come Oct. 1, Mason will have its own department, as will the township. Mr. Goldfeder will be the Mason fire chief. Bill Kramer will hold the post for Deerfield.

"I think the politicians let their egos get in the way of a good thing," said Blane Trauger, who used to work with the department when it was a private company. "They used (the joint district) as a weapon."

Melissa Murawski, 22 months - with Dad, Ken - plays with balloons. | ZOOM |

Chief Goldfeder, led his department in the parade and stopped frequently to thank the community.

"There is no question in our mind the public loves us as a joint fire district, and we are humbled by that," he said. "This was our last coming-out so to speak, our commencement."

Regardless, the chief and his troops said that while they are disappointed with the breakup, they are looking forward to opening the new Mason Fire Department.

"Like any bad thing that occurs, it passes and you move on," Chief Goldfeder said. "We love serving both communities, but life goes on and we're certainly over it."

The festival has been a Warren County mainstay for 30 years. Thousands crowded Main Street (U.S. 42) to eat, watch performers and browse the dozens of booths offering everything from pork chops and pizza to Beanie Babies.

The front yard of the Mason Public Library was turned into a bookstore. Library officials and boosters were selling books, videos and records for a quarter to $2. Proceeds of the sale went toward the library's building fund.

"It's a time all the residents of Mason and Deerfield Township can come together and have a good time together," said Kevin Collins, chairman of the festival.

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