Fundraising continues for Fireman’s Fountain

Owego Hose Teams, Inc. continues to raise funds to restore the 104-year-old iconic Baker Fireman’s Fountain, located in the Village of Owego Courthouse Square.  

On Feb. 22, the hose team teamed up with Bill’s Restaurant and hosted a chicken wing-eating contest. Ten contestants competed in the event for various prizes awarded to contestants who ate two-dozen wings in the quickest time. 

First place winner was Steve Bunce from Spencer, eating two-dozen wings in 3 minutes and 45 seconds. 

Jon Boland, of Painters Plus, came in second place followed by Owego Free Academy high school student Emma Howe, who came in third place.

The hose team has also launched a “Buy a Brick” campaign where individuals, businesses, and organizations can purchase bricks to be placed at the fountain. 

To date, 63 bricks, which are on display at Tom Ash Agency in Owego, have been sold. 

Businesses and organizations purchasing bricks have an opportunity to display their brick at their place of business until it is ready to be placed at the fountain.  Participating businesses and organizations so far include Scott Smith & Son, Tom Ash Agency, Ice Cream Works, Ward & Van Scoy, VFW Post #1371, Ahwaga Paints, Taylor Garbage, Field AFAR, Visions Federal Credit Union, Thompson’s Grocery, Mapes Auction, The Owego Pharmacy, and Mister Koffee Service.  

To buy a brick and participate in the program, visit the hose team website at www.OwegoHoseTeams.com.

Memorial Golf Tournament

The hose team will be hosting its 2nd Annual Owego Hose Team Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 2 at Tioga Golf Club. Last year, 65 teams and 260 golfers participated with over 100 sponsors making the tournament one of the largest in the Southern Tier.  

Registration is now open and signups can be made on the hose team website for both morning and afternoon flights. 

Other upcoming fundraisers include a spring Monte Carlo Night, in partnership with VFW Post #1371 and Auxiliary, on Saturday, March 24; and Chicken BBQs this spring and summer in partnership with Ice Cream Works located on George Street and North Avenue in Owego.     

The overall cost estimate of the fountain restoration is in upwards of $100,000.  Repairs that must be made include cement and concrete replacement, cast iron refurbishment, repainting, pipe, and plumbing and pump work, basin liner repair and landscaping.  

Work on the fountain is expected to begin in April with a completion date of August 2018 contingent upon funding.