Think back to the best summer memories of your childhood. Maybe you fondly recall drives around your hometown with the windows down and your family close by. Perhaps it’s a day out on the river that you cherish– fishing, boating, or just strolling past its beauty. It might be simply visiting friends who you haven’t seen for too long.
The Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department is excited for the return of one of its favorite “childhood summer memories”, too– the Rices Landing RiverFest.
RiverFest began as a week-long celebration of America’s Bicentennial in 1976. The first RiverFest was created and hosted by four ladies from the town who took an interest in bringing others together. This tremendous demonstration of community spirit included the presentation of a time capsule buried at the honor roll to be opened in 2076.
These founding ladies later formed a nonprofit called the Civic Organization for Community Outgrowth and used funds from this platform to sponsor numerous events and projects, such as RiverFest.
Featured activities in years’ worth of celebrations have included everything from canoe races on the Monongahela River and vendors on the lock wall to food, bands, and dancing. The Sunday events even kicked off with a rotating church service to accommodate many denominations over the years.
Historic attractions were also featured, with tours of the town including sites where old hotels once stood, and even a walk-through living history experience in the Hewitt Church Cemetery where reenactors dressed as characters from Rices Landing’s storied past.
There were stranger commodities to witness as well. Breakdancing, skateboarding contests, a diaper derby, and a pig roast in Pumpkin Run Park all contributed to the lively atmosphere.
But perhaps best of all was the delightfully slippery water slide on the firehall’s hill for children to enjoy.
“Some of the kids were older…like 60,” laughs Fire Chief Bill Kozich.
Area firemen had even more events in which they could participate. There were contests galore, like the famed “Battle of the Barrel” or the “Lay’ n Spray”, where competitors would drive fire trucks to a hydrant, run a line, and hit targets with their hoses in a timed pandemonium.
Eventually, Rices Landing’s Volunteer Fire Department stepped in to become primarily responsible for RiverFest. The festival had become a massive undertaking and more funds were required to keep it going with a “bang” into new decades.
Within the lifespan of RiverFest, the event has taken on many forms, from a week-long festival to a one-day affair. Its presence in the community has also had a few interruptions due to lack of funds and natural breaks, such as the pandemic in 2020.
“It’s a tremendous amount of work,” said Kozich, who is also the RiverFest Coordinator. “Other people come in and step up.”
Thankfully, numerous individuals, businesses, and major companies have, indeed stepped up. As Brennen Kozich– Bill’s son and fellow fireman– explains, the VFD requires about $18,000 to make RiverFest a success. Sponsors provide a great deal of support for the event, with the rest being covered directly by the fire department.
Even after many of the interruptions to the festival’s run, Brennen says the community never lost its desire to support– or long for– its return.
After numerous people expressed interest in restarting the event, Brennen created a Facebook page and gathered a network of individuals to bring the event back to life. But he knew it would have to be done in a different way.
“We had a couple conversations…we wanted something the county could contribute to.”
So, the committee decided on a one-day event for the big return this summer.
The festival will feature live music from local band “Hit n’ Run”, as well as food and craft vendors, kids’ games, and the patriotic favorite, a Fourth of July firework show.
“EQT has been very generous,” Brennen continues. “They always have our backs.”
2025 is also a momentous year for the fire company itself.
The Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors 100 years ago and has been serving the community faithfully ever since.
The Downey House Fire was the company’s first call, and was handled using borrowed equipment from the Frick Coal Company. The men of the young company responded to early calls with speed and drive even in the beginning stages, and the volunteers today still work with the same passion.
When asked why they continue to dedicate their personal time to the safety of our communities, these firemen share a similar heart for their work.
“It’s a special kind of brotherhood,” reflects Brad Kline, another member of the Rices Landing VFD. “If we can make a difference in somebody’s life, it’s worth it.”
Fire isn’t the only thing the company fights, however. The Rices Landing VFD runs an ambulance as well, and partners with local EMS services for a faster response to emergency calls. Additionally, the company provides extra assistance with the specific tools and services to which they have access.
“Thankfully, we don’t have that many fires in Rices Landing, but it is nice to know the fire department is here when somebody is in a moment of need,” Brad explains. “These guys stop whatever they’re doing, [whether] they’re under their car changing the oil or heading to a family event.”
Bill and Brennen also reflected on the camaraderie of the job: “For these guys, it really comes from the heart…to see not only guys from our company but other stations,” is powerful.
“They go in when others are going out,” Brad added.
But to provide another century of service to our area, local fire departments need the support of their communities. Rices Landing is no different, and there are a few levels of needs this company has shared.
“Volunteers are number one,” Bill says, followed by monetary support through fundraisers and donations. “Money doesn’t come easily– a new truck is a minimum of $1 million.”
He continues, “Bigger cities have larger tax bases to pull from. Small, rural departments are community funded. The support is fantastic.”
So, if you’re ready to embrace that warm, summer feeling once again, head out to the lockwall this Fourth of July weekend and support the Rices Landing VFD, as well as our many talented local artisans, musicians, and vendors. You might just find that little sliver of childhood all over again.
