The Algoma Fire Department is recognizing a major milestone in its history this weekend, and you’re invited to join the celebration. The department is celebrating 150 years of serving the community, beginning with a parade through the city at noon before setting up a shop at Legion Park, which will have live music and food until 10 p.m. The department started in 1875 when it was the Village of Ahnapee, purchasing its first apparatus from the Green Bay Fire Department. As a part of the celebration, the apparatus known as Astor No. 1 will make the trip from its home at Heritage Hill State Park in Green Bay to the city for the parade. Fire Chief Tom Ackerman says Saturday’s event is as much a thank-you note to the communities they serve as a birthday celebration for the department.

In addition to its duties within the city limits, the Algoma Fire Department also serves the towns of Ahnapee, Lincoln, and Pierce and seven miles of DNR Nature Trails while also assisting with the United States Coast Guard for nine miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.