GRAHAMSVILLE — The Grahamsville Fire Department turned its 80th birthday into a celebration of the entire county’s emergency service workers this Saturday as host company of the annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association parade.

The 97th annual parade drew dozens of fire departments, ambulance squads, and police agencies to the northeastern end of the county with a celebration that followed on the Little World’s Fair grounds.

The Hurleyville Fire Department earned the coveted Blue Ribbon at this year’s event, while the members of the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department took home the top prize in the 2026 Healthiest Fire Department challenge hosted by Sullivan 180.

The Smallwood Mongaup-Valley department accepted a check for $15,000 after a year of hiking, polar plunges, and yoga. Second place went to the members of the Livingston Manor Fire Department, who accepted a $10,000 check.

Katrina Blais of the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department was honored as this year’s Challenge Captain of the Year for her creative efforts to help her fellow firefighters, from kayaking nights to nature bingo.

Next year’s parade will be hosted in White Lake.