The Merrijig CFA is gearing up for a big centenary celebration this November, as local volunteers recognise 100 years of serving the community.

Taking place at the CFA station on Mt Buller Road on Saturday 8 November, the day is already looking to be quite the event, with free children’s activities, food vendors and a coffee van alongside a live burn table experience just part of the line-up.

First lieutenant of the Merrijig CFA, Jonathan Steele said he was particularly looking forward to the vintage tankers which were coming from all over the state as part of the vintage and current fire truck display.

The celebration kicks off at 10am with a special official opening ceremony marking the momentous 100 years of Merrijig CFA history.

Amongst the centenary projects there will be the raising of the new brigade mascot flag, proudly designed by a Merrijig Primary School student, and the opening of the Captains Avenue of Honour, celebrating a 100 years of brigade leadership.

There will also be the unveiling of the Brigade Honour Board, featuring records back to 1937.

The brigade is still searching for the original 1925 to 1936 minute book and are hop8ing somebody in the community may have a lead.

There will be a spectacular lights and sirens display, and then into a big four hours of fun with a massive fire tanker display featuring approximately 20 vehicles.

Ranging from vintage museum pieces (like the 1926 Merrijig fire tanker and hand-drawn hose reels from the early days) to today’s frontline appliances, the display will also feature vehicles and crews from the CFA's essential emergency partners.

Including the SES, Highway Patrol, St John's Ambulance, Red Cross, and Forest Fire Management Victoria, the display is a must-see for vehicle lovers and future firefighters and emergency service providers.

The Merrijig CFA volunteers have also planned a jam-packed day of free entertainment and important community information.

Watch exciting demonstrations, explore equipment, and even try the interactive hazards kitchen and live fire burn table to see how fire moves through a landscape.

Catch the Red Cross live kids show (two sessions) featuring singing, dancing, and an emergency preparedness theme or get hands-on at the Red Cross Pillowcase workshop to create your own personal “go bag”.

The CFA and Mansfield Scouts activity zone offers free badge-making, colouring competitions (with prizes), firefighter dress-ups, and build-your-own fire truck crafts.

Mansfield Radio will be broadcasting live from the event, there will be live music from Holly Goltz and Captain Koala will be making appearances throughout the day.

And if you're looking for some downtime enjoy Storytime with Miss Angela, including a reading of “My Pa, the Bushfire and Me,” a picture book written by Merrijig local Rhyll McCormack.

Mansfield Scouts will be dishing up their famous Rodeo Burger BBQ and there will be a dedicated coffee and donuts van, soft drinks, and ice cream, with the site offering up plenty of seating to relax and catch up with friends.

The community celebration which runs from 10am to 2pm, will be followed by a reunion dinner at The Sebel Pinnacle Valley celebrating the brigade's remarkable legacy.

At the dinner, local author John McCombe will also launch his new book of stories about Merrijig CFA's 100 years.

“I believe there are about 80 attendees confirmed including present and past members, family members to represent members who are no longer with us, plus interested community members,” Mr Steele said.

If you are a past member who hasn't been contacted yet, please text 0416 027 008 and the brigade will call you back.

Follow Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade on Facebook and Instagram (@Merrijig_CFA) for updates and event news.