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2015 Essex Day Festival

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Click to view The Avenue News Essex Day 2015 photo gallery

40 years of Essex Day, 40 years of good weather

By Dan Baldwin, The Avenue News

With an early morning overcast and pockets of rain showers it seemed like history was going to be made on Sunday, Sept. 27. It looked like it was actually going to rain during the Essex Day Festival, an occurrence that has never happened during the festival’s four decade existence, said Midway Chairperson June Donovan.

The sentiment was shared by nearly every elected official during the opening ceremonies of the 40th annual Essex Day. Along with being known as a family-friendly event that attracts thousands every year, Essex Day is also known as always having perfect weather.

“[Essex Day] is a big event put on by many, many people,” said Essex Day Committee member Joe DiCara who also sang the national anthem to kick off the 40th annual event.

The festival’s invocation was performed by Del. Ric Metzgar.

According to Donovan, this year’s “big event” brought out more than 10,000 people from the Essex area and surrounding communities to the 400 and 500 blocks of Eastern Boulevard.

“It took people a little while to realize it wasn’t going to rain,” she told the Avenue News. “Then they came out in droves.”

Those who came out to enjoy the day were treated to good food, good music and good times.

This year, a crowd of about 100 gathered around the main stage and enjoyed the familiar tunes that filled the air. Main stage acts this year included the Voodoo Yahoos, Sarah and the Igniters, and Doug Lester and Andy Beccio with special guest Ronnie Dove.

“The past two years the audience at the main stage has gotten stronger,” Donovan said.

With more than 240 vendors lining the streets there was certainly something for everyone at this year’s Essex Day.

“Communities have their ups and downs, but this is what brings communities together,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

WMAR 2014 Essex Day Photo Gallery

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Click to view WMAR 2014 Essex Day 2014 Photo Gallery

 

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2015 Essex Day Festival
Main Stage Entertainment Lineup


Voodoo Yahoos


Doug Lester & Annie Beccio


Sarah & the Igniters

Essex Day: 40 years and still going strong

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By Dan Baldwin (Avenue News, 9/22/2015)

It was 40 years ago that Essex made history when the 400 and 500 blocks of Eastern Boulevard were shut down between Woodward Drive and Mace Avenue for the first time. Forty years ago when thousands of people and hundreds of vendors flooded the street for the first time to enjoy a day full of fun and excitement with friends and neighbors.
On June 15, 1975, the tradition of the highly anticipated Essex Day Festival began.

Continue reading at Avenue News.

Essex Fire Station #7 Lieut. Charles J. Horner’s Turncoat Donated to Museum

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Lieutenant Charles J. Horner, May 1959

The granddaughter of Lieutenant Charles J. Horner, Blaze, recently donated the 70+ year old fire turncoat of her grandfather along with several historical photographs  to the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River.

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Lieut. Horner outside of Essex Fire Station #7.

Lieutenant Horner served at Essex Fire Station #7 which was housed in the building that the Heritage Society currently occupies.

Horner also served as Captain at Station #7 for a short while before passing in 1966.

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Charles J. Horner’s granddaughter Blaze donating her grandfather’s turncoat to the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River. Accepting the donation is museum president June Donovan.

 

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Top Row: Charles Horner (second from left). Bottom Row: Joe Hoffmann, Carroll Huffines, John Cavallio.

 

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Lieutenant Charles J. Horner

Donations like Blaze’s help preserve the rich legacy of Essex’s citizens and protectors.