HEMET: Fire Memories Museum brings Christmas joy to Hemet area neighborhoods + upcoming tours

December 19, 2015 Trevor Montgomery

Epicenter News For Riverside County News Source

Writer: Tiffinee Epton / Photographer: Rick Anderson AP

HEMET – During this holiday season we have seen a number of different stories that were a cause for alarm or sadness. In this case I present to you a story of pure joy. Joy that could be seen on the faces of children and adults alike. It was an annual tradition of bringing together neighbors and strangers in the spirit of Christmas.

Members of the Fire Memories Museum line up for the Palm Springs portion of their annual parade. Video Credit: Fire Memories Museum / Facebook

It was a parade of firetrucks! Each firetruck decorated for the holiday season with each driver and passenger in the holiday spirit. This is the first time I have seen this happen in the city of Hemet so it is a new tradition for me and I hope that it continues on for years to come.

The 13th annual Hemet portion of the Fire Memories Museum’s annual Christmas Lights Parade gets underway. Photo Courtesy: Rick Anderson AP

For the past 16 years they have been decorating their privately owned firetrucks and driving through cities like Banning, Yucaipa, Cathedral City, and here in Hemet. Each and every firetruck has been wonderfully restored and decorated, and play wonderful Christmas music as they make their path through the cities.

Thank you to Chuck for telling me all about this wonderful group of people. If you missed them tonight there’s still a chance to see the parade, tomorrow they should be driving through Beaumont, then through Cathedral City.

Everyone along the route was so excited to get a glimpse of Santa! Photo Courtesy: Rick Anderson

Also, keep your eye out for Santa! He’s joining in on the parade. If you spot them tonight be sure to wave and thank them for all their hard work.

There seemed to be no end to the beautiful Christmas lights that adorned all of the classic, personally restored classic fire rigs. Photo Courtesy: Rick Anderson

Members of the Fire Memories Museum off to the next stop on the Christmas Lights Tour. Photo Courtesy: Rick Anderson