PHOTOS: Friendship Firehouse Festival in Alexandria Had Big Turnout Over the Weekend

ALEXANDRIA, VA –

The Friendship Firehouse Trustees and friends welcomed Alexandria residents and visitors to its annual Festival held on Saturday, August 7. The Festival sponsored by the historic Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Office of Historic Alexandria was dedicated to long-time president Joe Shumard who died in October 2020. Shumard was recognized as a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2012.

Even with the rain, a fun time was had!  Attendees visited the booths of exhibitors that lined both sides of South Alfred Street in front of the historic Friendship Firehouse.  From fine Irish and Portuguese linens to children’s hair bows and hand-made clothing, those attending had much to see.  New and historic fire-fighting equipment was on display, and children were given fire helmets and even had the opportunity to extinguish “fires” in a “burning” tiny house helped by Alexandria’s firemen.  Tours of the Friendship Firehouse were given, local and state-wide candidates for public office participated by handing out hats, t-shirts, and yard signs, and free cookies were donated by Costco.

In addition to the day’s outdoor events, festival participants enjoyed visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is now a philanthropic organization focusing on fire-fighting history and fire safety.  It remains active in community events, including the annual Festival, and supports historic preservation of the building and its collection.