Virginia City prepares for Fireman's Muster

Virginia City's Liberty Fire Engine Company No. 1 will honor Sen. Richard Bryan at this year's Comstock Fireman's Muster in Virginia City by naming him grand marshal of the parade and ceremonies.

"We thought it fitting in light of his retirement this year and as an appropriate honor to thank him for his long-standing support," Virginia City Volunteer Fire Chief Joe Curtis said. "Senator Bryan's commitment to past muster events was instrumental in helping us secure funds to restore original Virginia City fire equipment, and keep the events happening."

Slated for July 21 through 23, the event is in its 14th year and competitors will be traveling from 11 western states.

The event is sponsored by the Liberty Engine Company and Comstock Firemen's Museum and sanctioned by the California Firemen's Muster Association. It is the only sanctioned muster held outside of California.

"We usually have between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, families and spectators up for the events," Curtis said.

A muster is a gathering of firefighters to promote and preserve the history of the fire service through a series of physical challenges.

Both hand-drawn and motorized antique fire equipment is used in competitively timed events to simulate the suppression of a fire. Original pieces of fully functional equipment dating back to the early 1800s will be displayed and operated.

The name Liberty Engine Company was chosen by the Virginia City Volunteer Fire Department to commemorate one of the first and most colorful fire companies on the Comstock. It was actually located in Gold Hill.

Schedule of events:

Friday, July 21

- 6:30 to 9 p.m. - No host reception next to the Bucket of Blood Saloon with live music by the "The Regulators."

Saturday, July 22

- 7 a.m. - Pancake breakfast at the Old Depot on D Street, (muster grounds)

- 9 a.m.- Parade starting at Fourth Ward School on South C Street

- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Muster competition on D Street

- 7 p.m. - Barbecue at the Old Depot on D Street ( muster grounds)

- 8 p.m. - Dance at Piper's Opera House, featuring Papa Clutch and the Shifters.

Sunday, July 23

- 7 a.m. - Pancake breakfast at the Old Depot on D Street (muster grounds)

- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Muster competition on D Street

What: Comstock Firemen's Muster 2000

When: July 21-23

Where: Virginia City, on D Street near the old depot