‘Guns and Hoses’ effort brings police, firemen closer
CARIBOU, Maine — Thursdays on Sweden has wrapped up for the year, but the city of Caribou still has a few large events in store for 2016.
Caribou’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, Lydia Kieffer, says the event is constantly growing, and has consistently done so since it began nearly half a decade ago.
“Our organization is getting better at placing vendors, and now we are usually up and running by 5:30,” said Kieffer. “It used to take longer to get people situated. We’re happy about that and hope to carry it over to the Caribou Marathon, Heritage Day, and any event we have that includes vendors.”
Attendance has been so high this year that visitors arriving late often have difficulties finding parking, which Kieffer says is a “good problem to have.”
“Thursdays takes place at such a specific place and time that it fills up quick,” Kieffer said. “Of course we will accommodate anyone who is handicapped or has accessibility issues. Otherwise, a little walking won’t hurt anyone.
“Any event worth going to should also be worth the small walk,” she added.
While the event has been growing since its humble beginnings four years ago, the police and fire departments have been participating since Day One, barbecuing food as “Guns and Hoses,” which donates a number of their proceeds to charities that assist children. This year, proceeds are going to the Freemasons’ “Bikes for Books” program. As the name suggests, this program awards bikes to children who meet reading requirements.
“Anything we make goes to charitable groups,” said Sergeant Mark Gahagan. “We try to give back to the kids.”
Gahagan added that some proceeds are also going to the “Learn not to Burn” program, which teaches young children how to react in the event of a fire.
Many of Gahagan’s relatives, including Police Chief Michael Gahagan, serve the Caribou community, and he considers those not related to him to be “just like family.”
According to the sergeant, pre-planning takes a bit of time, especially for food and sodas, requiring the police and fire departments to start early and communicate often.
Caribou PD’s presence at Thursdays does not affect the station’s operations, according to Gahagan.
“The people love it,” said Gahagan. “We don’t make a killing because we have to pay our bills, but every bit we can give back is worth it.”
“(Guns and Hoses) are actually one of the groups that got Thursdays on Sweden off the ground,” Kieffer said. “They volunteered to be a food vendor for the first year. I wasn’t in charge of the event at that time, but since then they’ve continued to come and it’s always a big hit.”
The city of Caribou is always looking for new vendors from in the city, county, or even country to help with the growing event.
“All are welcome to come,” said Kieffer. “It’s free for vendors and guests alike.”
