Hey buddy, where’s the fire (truck)?
Well, with all due credit to a generation from a bygone time, the saying could still work in today’s modern grammar, at least as it applies to a big race coming up in May.
The Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company’s Super 21 Truck will be returning for the very special 25th anniversary Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic on Sunday, May 18 at the fun park in Middletown.
For many young runners attending the Classic, it will once again be a chance to not only sit in the driver’s seat of the big rig, but also learn some stuff about what makes being a firefighter such a noble trade.
“The Classic is always a great event, it’s always one of the best in Bucks County and it raises money for a good cause (the Dick Dougherty Honorarium Awards),’’ said Pennsylvania state Sen. and Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Chief Frank Farry before a previous Sesame Classic race.
The START/FINISH banner and the American flag are displayed from the 21 Truck’s ladder extension throughout the day’s activities.
“For the fire company,” said Farry, “it provides us an opportunity to be out in the community, teach a little fire safety, provide some information to the families which are here – and they get a chance to get their picture with their children on the fire truck.’’
The Classic came to life back in 1999 and over a quarter century span has raised more than $500,000 for the Honorarium Awards, which go to outstanding college-bound seniors from 18 Bucks County High Schools.
Runners can choose between a 5K competition, a 1-mile run or participate in the 50-meter Kids’ Sprint for youngsters.
Each participant receives a one-day free admission ticket to Sesame Place through the end of September.
When those boys and girls aren’t racing down the Sprint course, there’s a good chance they will be over at the 21 Truck.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company for the use of their fire truck to display the Sesame Classic banner at the start of each race,” said Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club’s Jill Saul. “And for allowing children the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Super 21 Truck.
“It is just another exciting adventure in this fun-filled family event. For me, one of the greatest joys is watching the little ones react to seeing their favorite Sesame characters out and about during the Kids’ Sprint and the awards ceremony.”
Sesame Place’s P.J. Schweizer coordinates the Sesame characters appearances and looks forward to seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces when the fire truck arrives and is made accessible.
“We’re excited to be hosting the race and whenever someone from the community comes it increases the sense of involvement,” Schweizer said prior to last year’s event.
“Since we’re all about kids and we’re about educating kids, when they see something like a fire truck, it makes them interested in fire safety and what firemen do every day. I think it makes them more responsible citizens in general.’’
Kiwanis Club’s Debbi Glass marvels over how this race has managed to maintain itself throughout a quarter-century.
“Wow, 25 years,” she said. “That’a a lot of running.
“As we get ready to celebrate 25 years of the Sesame Classic, I continue to be in awe of the wonderful turnout for the race, the exuberance of the runners as they line up with their hearts pumping and their legs anxious to sprint forward. And then there’s the pride on each face as they make it over the finish line.”
Rose McIver, who directs the Kids’ Sprint race, knows the fire truck is a popular activity.
“They can do some running and also sit in the truck,” she said. “What could be better than that?”
Dixie Rhodes, a Kiwanis veteran who’s been key to the longevity of the Classic, enjoys how it brings the running community together for one meaningful day.
“It’s difficult for me to believe 25 years has passed since the Kiwanis Club of Levittown-Bristol joined with Sesame Place to sponsor a race designed to include children, parents as well as serious runners,” Rhodes said. “Over that time, thousands of participants have enjoyed the camaraderie and fun participating in the races and interacting with Sesame characters.
“In addition to all that, the kids have the opportunity to sit in a fire truck and learn how it works. Who hasn’t wanted to ride in the big red machine with the siren blaring?”
Donna Milner, secretary-treasurer for the Classic, has seen the smiles on all the young faces and knows they are there for a good reason.
“I’m so excited to have a role in keeping the Classic tradition alive for new generations of runners,” she said. “So many activities for young and old to enjoy before and after the race thanks to the Sesame Place characters, the Super 21 Truck and all our sponsors.”
For more information about the event and to register for one of the three Classic races, visit the www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com website
Race calendar
Friday, May 9: SJR 5K, 6:30 p.m., Warrington. Contact www.stjstr.org.
