Patricia Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman the Red Hook and Tivoli fire companies celebrate 100 years of service to residents of the town of Red Hook when the two companies host the Dutchess County Firemen's Association 73rd Annual Convention, beginning August 16. Event organizer Mike Burnett said more than 1,000 people will march in the parade on Saturday, including representatives of 42 fire companies and numerous marching bands. "It's the first time in New York state history that two fire companies in New York are celebrating their 100th anniversary at the same time," Burnett said. Fire companies from Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia and Greene counties are expected to participate. The weekend's events are the fire companies' way of saying "thank you" to the communities they serve. Events will kick off Friday night at the Red Hook Firehouse with a block party-style event that will feature a bounce house for children, along with entertainment and more than 20 different food vendors. On Saturday, the parade will step off from Linden Avenue Middle School at 5 p.m. and proceed to Park Avenue and then to U.S. Route 9, where it will head south to the firehouse for live music, food and entertainment. A fireworks display will cap off the two-day festivities. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.