Published: July 03, 2008 10:35 pm      

Homefest truck pull to benefit 9-year-old

Piedmont girl diagnosed with rare disorder; annual event July 18-19

The annual fire truck pull has become a highlight of Piedmont’s two day Homefest celebration, scheduled for July 18-19, and this year is no different.

In the popular event, teams of up to 10 willing and able volunteers compete against each other to see who can be the fastest in pulling a real fire truck a distance of 30 feet along Second Street.

The registration fee is $100 per team, and proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Alana Coleman, a 9-year-old Piedmont resident who has been diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome.

The daughter of Paul and Patti Coleman, Alana was born with the rare disorder, which affects the brain, causing eye abnormalities and seizures.

The disorder mainly affects females, and there are only about 500 to 700 diagnosed cases throughout the world. There is no known cure.

According to Piedmont Councilwoman Susie Clark, who is returning as chairwoman of the Homefest celebration, anyone wishing to help raise money for the Coleman family can be on a truck pull team.

“Each team is made up of no more than 10 people. These folks can be of any age, gender or background,” she said.

Each team will be responsible for having someone at the end of the rope to pull up the slack. That person will not be considered a part of the team.

The first five teams to sign up will receive a shirt, and the three teams with the fastest overall times will receive a prize.

All teams must preregister and each member signs a waiver form. Forms are available at the Piedmont City Building, Ambrose Enterprises Inc. in McCoole and Port West Restaurant in Westernport.

Teams must sign in by 7 p.m. July 18 at the Tri-Towns Fire Hall for the 7:30 p.m. event.

This year’s Homefest will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with the annual parade.

Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Third Street with the units proceeding down Ashfield Street and across the bridge into Westernport, disbanding in the vicinity of Cruisin’ Treats.

Parade units may give out candy.

Entries are still being accepted for the parade.

Clark is continuing to accept vendors for the craft and flea market.

Vendors will set up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and may sign in at 7 a.m. at the Tri-Towns Fire Department to be assigned a space.

Other activities planned are a milk-chugging contest, fishing rodeo for youngsters ages 3 to 14, a car show and “L&M’s famous sidewalk sale.”

Church Women United will serve chicken dinners Saturday. Call Mildred Washington at (304) 355-2860.

Clark is available at (301) 697-8099 after 4 p.m.

Contact Liz Beavers at lbeavers@times-news.com..