Last Updated on May 7, 2026 9:52 am
The 22nd Annual Emergency Fest will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Watauga High School, located at 300 Go Pioneers Drive in Boone.
The free, family-friendly event is open to children of all ages and brings together local emergency services and partner organizations for a morning of hands-on learning and fun.
Attendees will see local fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, rescue vehicles, forestry vehicles, helicopters, and more on display. Visitors can learn how to use a fire extinguisher, get tips on cooking and forest fire safety, use a fire hose, and sit in a helicopter.
New this year is a live turkey fryer fire demonstration. Several area agencies will also conduct vehicle extrication demonstrations, and an old-fashioned Bucket Brigade will return.
Children can compete in a scavenger hunt to learn about the various emergency services and win prizes. Face painting, bounce houses, popcorn, snow cones, and hotdogs round out the day's activities.
The event is sponsored by the Watauga County Firefighters Association, area emergency services organizations, and New River Tire.
For more information, contact Fire Prevention Captain Jacob Burleson at (828) 268-6180 or jacob.burleson@boonenc.gov.
