Chestnut Fire Department to Celebrate 50 Years

Chestnut – The Chestnut Fire Department celebrates their 50^th Anniversary in 2008.  Established as a volunteer fire service in 1958, the Chestnut Fire Department has continued to serve the community of Chestnut and the surrounding rural area.  Chestnut is located in southeastern Logan County and was proclaimed in 1993 to be the geographic center of Illinois. 

A celebration has been planned on June 21, 2008,  to observe this golden anniversary.  Events for the day, which will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m., include a firefighters challenge competition, classic car show, fly-in by two local helicopter ambulance services, canine search and rescue demonstration, various public safety educational displays, children's games, dunk tank with local celebrities, music provided by a local DJ, movie in the park at dusk, and food for children and adults.

The celebration will also serve as a fund raising event for the Chestnut Fire Department.  At 2:30 p.m., an auction will be held to sell a variety of donated items including autographed collectibles from several NASCAR drivers, tickets to the Indy car race at the Chicagoland Speedway, Chicago Bears laser autographed football, hockey tickets, antiques, gift certificates for food and services, and  numerous other excellent items. 

The highlight of the auction will be a NASCAR weekend package for the July 11 and 12, 2008, inaugural night races at Chicagoland Speedway.  The package contains four tickets for the Nationwide series race, four tickets for the Sprint Cup series race, and four garage passes for the entire race weekend.

A pulled pork barbecue dinner will also be served by the Chestnut Fire Department members from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the fire station.  The Chestnut Fire Department invites everyone to join them for fun, food, and entertainment as they celebrate their 50^th Anniversary.    

-         Media inquiries may be directed to Kyle Hayden at 217-737-6470 or

email at chestnut_fireems@yahoo.com