OWASCO - The Owasco Fire Department had the cure for the Summertime Blues.

The annual Welcome In the Summer Party, held Sunday night in the Emerson Park pavilion, benefited the Owasco fire squad, which recently purchased new gear for its fire trucks and plans to acquire a brand-new truck in November, said Jerry Devone, a member of the fire department and chairman of the yearly event.

“This party has been held for about 15 or 20 years now,” Devone said. “The money we earn from this is used for rescue equipment, which the fire department recently purchased a lot of, and we just ordered a rescue truck and all new tools for it.”

Devone, a 28-year veteran of the fire squad, said that the tools have already arrived, and will go into service sometime next month. When the new truck arrives this fall, the equipment will be used on it, he said.

Under a gorgeous summer sky, about 2,000 people came to the park to hear the sounds of the Prison City Rockers and Nik and the Nice Guys, two local music groups.

“There's no doubt, this is the biggest party in town,” Devone joked.

With the late afternoon sun shining brightly, the barbecue grills cooking delicious food and the beverages flowing freely, throngs of people celebrated in the pavilion or under the tent set up outside.

Among those revelers was Steve Cuddeback, who along with his wife, was there to enjoy the party and spend time among friends.

“We come to this party every year, and we love it. This year is no exception,” Cuddeback said.

According to Devone, upcoming events hosted by the Owasco Fire Department include a chicken barbecue on the Fourth of July and pancake breakfasts on the second Saturday of each month from November through March.

“Our squad is volunteer, made up of local men, women, and dedicated families, and all of them are here tonight,” Devone said. “We hope that everyone has a good time and remembers to stay safe.”