Burnsville

History

Burnsville's community celebration began officially in 1980, evolving from a smaller, neighborhood-based activity.

During the late 1970s, Burnsville resident and fire equipment collector Roger Jackson and some of his friends entertained children each summer by displaying his collection at Diamondhead Mall, capping the day with a short parade of equipment down Nicollet Avenue.

Then, in 1980, as the community considered the possibility of a citywide celebration, Jackson suggested to a group of interested residents and business people that perhaps a fire muster patterned after fire musters popular in New England might work.

Thus, a nonprofit corporation was formed to organize the celebration. These dedicated volunteers, augmented by every nonprofit group in town, provided all phases of the task that lay ahead, and fund-raising proved to be an important and labor-intensive activity. Business donations, button sales and income from concessions became vital funding sources, and continue so to this day. Jackson and the committee envisioned a community block party, coronation of a queen and, most importantly, a parade of antique and modern fire equipment.

Dan Hendrikson, a former Burnsville Fire Department captain, was placed in charge of that parade and has remained active in organizing Fire Muster events over the past 20 years. Hendrikson has retired, but not from the Fire Muster. He was the grand marshal of the fire truck parade held September 11, 1999.

Though the first fire truck parade contained an impressive array of some 50 units, it now boasts more than 100. Equipment comes from throughout the Midwest, ranging from horse-drawn hand pumpers (circa 1900) to the latest in firefighting machinery.

For More Info: email@burnsvillefiremuster.com