By Paula Pyzik Scott

Before the Village of Bluffton had a water system or pump equipment, fighting fires required bucket brigades, a chain of individuals who passed buckets of water from hand to hand. The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society is inviting small groups to participate in a bucket brigade competition as part of its August 10 Bluffton History Day celebrating local volunteer firefighters. 

Teams of 5-10 individuals will be timed as they empty one large container with buckets and fill another. Businesses, clubs, families and other groups are invited to join in the fun.

The Bucket Brigade competition will take place at approximately 11:30 a.m. following presentations on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 102 N. Main, and a recreation of the 1898 test by Bluffton firemen of the Village’s new water system.

The winning team will receive a gift certificate for two large 3-item pizzas from Kira’s Flipside Grill, courtesy of the Bluffton Icon.

Please register in advance by leaving a message at 567-400-4266 or emailing [email protected]. At the event, individuals will sign a release of liability form.

For more details on the August 10 event, see our July 20 article.