On Saturday, Sept. 14, Masterstonville Fire Company will mark its 75th anniversary, and you're invited to the party.

The festivities will take place at the station, 2121 Meadow View Road, Manheim, starting at 4 p.m. and will feature an open house with members on hand to answer questions; fire apparatus to explore; bounce houses and barrel train rides for children; food trucks; free cake, popcorn and cotton candy; and fireworks beginning about 8:30 p.m.

Eric Shields, second assistant chief and a volunteer with the fire company for more than 15 years, said the station has deep roots in the community.

"What started as a community's effort to provide themselves with fire protection in the 1940s has resulted in a community-supported fire company that provides fire protection and emergency medical services still 75 years later," he shared. "The Mastersonville Volunteer Fire Company has grown over the years from a small fire company with one engine - a 1935 Dodge purchased from Mount Joy Fire Department that was housed in a neighbor's garage - to the first official fire house built in 1950 on land that was donated by the Hess family."

The station serves Rapho and Mount Joy townships and surrounding areas. As the needs of the community grew, so did the fire house, Shields said, and the station added apparatus. The station served the community from 2166 Meadow View Road for almost 70 years before the decision was made to purchase land across the street for future use.

"In 2017, ground was broken for a new fire station to be built on that land. The current fire station has six large bays to house our apparatus," Shields said, noting that the station houses engines, tankers, emergency medical services vehicles and more. "This building also has plenty of office space and a training room."

Although the station has moved and grown over the decades, one thing has remained constant.

"We are 100% volunteer from running the emergency calls - fires, accidents and medical services - to the day-to-day business administration tasks that make the fire company operate," Shields said. "Everyone's time is valuable. Giving up their time to do something for their community or someone having a worse day than them only appeals to very select few people nowadays. The interest and the time are not there for most people anymore. ... We have been very fortunate in our community to have their support and to still gain enough volunteers to keep us operating."

Shields said the station is always looking for new volunteers who want to serve their community, noting that there are many ways to help, whether it's actively responding to emergency calls or working behind the scenes in the office. He also encourages people to consider joining as a social member to help with fundraisers and community events.

"The job does not reward you with money, but it rewards you with that good inside feeling knowing that you were there to help someone at their worst time of need," he said.

He hopes the community will come out to mark the 75th anniversary and reflect on the impact the fire station has made over the years.

"On behalf of Mastersonville Volunteer Fire Company, a huge thank you to all the fire company members past and current and to all the community members and businesses who have dedicated their time, hard work, long hours and monetary support over the last 75-plus years to make the fire company what it is today," he said. "Come enjoy an evening out with your neighbors, friends and your local first responders. Come learn the day-to-day operations of your local volunteer fire company. ... Stay for some free treats as a thank you from the Mastersonville Volunteer Fire Company and then enjoy the fireworks."

For more information about the fire station, visit http://www.mastersonvillefire.com or follow "Mastersonville Fire Co" on Facebook. People may also stop by the station on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. to speak to someone in person.