DURYEA – To Jerry Korea, the Germania Hose Company’s annual bazaar is time spent with family.
Sitting with fire captain and treasurer Eric Wruble, Korea, who serves as president of the hose company said, “I know this might sound corny, but we’re a family, like blood, here at the hose company. Many of us have grown up here, even remembering coming to the bazaar when we were kids.”
Korea said although the fire company, in its 116th year, is self-sufficient with only a small stipend received from the borough for basics, the annual event goes beyond fundraising.
“We could think about a fire tax, but I wouldn’t want to do that,” he said. “The bazaar gives us a chance to not only get something from the community, but also to give something to the community at the same time.”
Korea said the event usually raises between $22,000 and $25,000, depending on the weather and other factors. He estimated about 10,000 people, many from neighboring communities, make their way through the event each year.
This year, the fire company is celebrating the bazaar’s 90th year, with rides, games, food and adult beverages.
“For the past few years, we’ve contracted with Sunshine Shows for the rides and games,” he said. “We have a fantastic relationship with them and I think they like coming here as much as we like having them.”
Indeed, Jennifer Benner, an owner of Sunshine Shows, said she and her family, who call Middleburg home, have enjoyed traveling to Duryea both to host the bazaar and to explore the area for the past three years.
“We’ve been to Montage Mountain and even did a coal mining tour last year,” she said.
As for adult beverages, Korea detailed a host of “slushy” drinks, including daiquiri and wine slushies.
“We even bought our own slushy machine,” he said. “We went all out.”
Even the clam chowder Korea was eating on the first night of the festival is a reflection of history, both of the borough and of his own family.
“My mother Celia Korea made the clam chowder for as long as I can remember,” he said. “She’s 80 and a little under the weather, but she was on the phone giving directions on how to make it.”
Each night of the festival seemed to have a specific flavor, with Wednesday being a “rides only” night, perfect for bringing children out for a bit of mid-week fun.
Mark Walters, of Dupont, brought his children, ages 4 and 2, to the festival to enjoy rides specific to their age group.
“The especially enjoyed the bounce house,” he said. “And the adults look forward to the food. It was really good last year.”
Fire Lieutenant John Soy, who oversees the event’s food offerings, shares crowd favorites.
“They like chicken tenders, fried dough, hot dogs, haluski and all the Polish favorites,” he said.
“We’re even trying fried Twinkies this year,” said Korea.
Other highlights of the five-day event are a parade, music by local bands, and fireworks, concluding on Sunday.
The all-volunteer fire company goes out on about 300 calls a year, with many of them classified as “mutual aid,” calls, assisting surrounding towns.
The company has ordered a new fire truck at a cost of over $400,000 which will be funded through both a loan and grants, according to Korea.
“We’re going to keep the other fire truck so we have two,” he said. “Last year when our only fire truck was down, we had to borrow fire trucks from other towns; we don’t want to have to do that again.”
Korea said, although financially stressed, the fire company continues to move forward, installing a memorial garden and upgrading the front of the building within the last several years.
He looks forward to the future of the fire company and the bazaar.
“With over 30 active members as our core group,” he said, “no matter what, we hold it together.”
