The Northwestern Lehigh Firefighter Foundation was established in response to the tragic loss of firefighters Zachary Paris and Marvin Gruber of New Tripoli Fire Company while battling a house fire in West Penn Township on Dec. 7, 2022.

The foundation hosts its second annual Firefighter Appreciation Picnic at Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli on June 29 from 1 to 5 p.m.

The picnic features live music performed by The Large Flowerheads, accompanied by food trucks including Heart and Hearth Deli and Smokehouse, JRad Pizza, Nesting Box Ice Cream, Taco Town, and mocktails provided by Eight Oaks Farm Distillery.

The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy the picnic and show their appreciation for community volunteer firefighters and their families.

According to foundation Chairman Justin Smith, “The NWLFF Firefighter Appreciation Picnic is an opportunity for us to express our sincere gratitude to the brave volunteer firefighters who consistently answer the call for help. This communitywide event welcomes everyone to join us in showing support and celebrating the strength, courage and dedication of these local heroes.”

Goals include:

• Building a memorial, located in Ontelaunee Park, to honor the service and sacrifice of firefighters from Germansville, New Tripoli, Lynnport and Weisenberg fire companies.

• Building a firefighter-themed splash park at Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli.

• Hosting an annual Firefighter Appreciation Picnic.

• Fundraising to help with training and equipment requirements.

NWLFF thanks sponsors and volunteers who make this picnic and their other priorities possible, including Hayes Ivey Manufacturing Company, The Hartford Insurance Company, Delicker Strategies LLC, State Farm Insurance, New Tripoli Bank, Olde Homestead Golf Course, Jerdon Construction, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, and many private donors. NWLFF could not do their work without the support of their generous donors.

Visit NWLFF.org.