Every year, the Chelsea Area Fire Authority opens up the fire station to allow local kids to check out the firefighting equipment. It’s a great event that’s been happening for years — I remember visiting the fire station when I was a kid — and once again this year it was well-attended.

Yes, CAFA has a hovercraft. CAFA is that cool. A while back I asked a firefighter about the hovercraft, and he told me it’s great for rescues on the ice. There are a number of lakes around Chelsea, so it’s a useful tool. And it’s also really, really cool.

The fire station is in the shadow of the famous Jiffy Mixes silos:

Behind the station — back near the silos — they had a firefighter with a hose set up for kids to try. That’s what I most clearly remember from my visit to the station as a kid. It’s fun.

As usual, it was a popular attraction.

This little guy was very intent on his task:

If you didn’t make it to the open house this year, be sure to make it next year. Your kids will have a great time checking out the trucks, and you’ll get a chance to meet our local firefighters and to let them know you appreciate the work they do.