MOUNT UPTON – The 86th Chenango County Firemen’s Convention kicks off at 5:30 tonight at the Borden Hose Company fire department in Mount Upton.

“About 125 people are expected to be on hand,” said Borden hose company veteran volunteer firefighter James Percival.

The banquet will begin with a memorial and dedication ceremony where the past, present and future members of the volunteer department in both the Mt. Upton and Rockdale stations will be honored with a mill stone from Vermont.

Percival, a 62-year member of the department, said this will be the company’s fourth time hosting the convention, and this year is “special” because it is Borden’s centennial as well. “We are celebrating both the convention and 100 years in service,” he said.

Following the dedication ceremony, the banquet will include a social hour, dinner and speakers including New York State Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matt Beckwith and representatives from Guilford.

A full day of events are scheduled at the department on Saturday, including a firematics show between 1 and 1:30 p.m., a chicken barbecue, a parade starting at 5:30 p.m., and various displays and seminars covering the fire department grounds.

A book describing the county and another compiled by Borden members will be on display and on sale.

History of the Borden Hose Company