The North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department will host the fifth annual firefighters challenge at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the north end of the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds.

Participants must be in full turn-out gear with SCBA to participate and are responsible for bringing their own gear and SCBA. This will be a timed event and speed and agility count. Participants will climb a ladder, pull up a high-rise kit, drag a charged horse and discharge it at the target, demonstrate forcible entry, negotiate confined space and obstacle course and lastly, drag a dummy.

First place will win $500 with second place walking away with $350. Third and fourth places will be awarded $200 and $100 prizes. Cash prizes will also be offered to fifth through tenth place winners. The cost to enter the event is $25 for those who preregister and $30 the day of the event.

The kindergarten through fifth grade kids’ challenge will be held during intermission. Kids will be invited to participate in a mini course for trophies and metals. The entrance fee for the kids’ event is $5 and shoes are required.

Spectators are suggested to bring lawn chairs for watching the festivities. The event will be judged by members of the Lions Club and their decisions will be final. Please call Kevin Gunkel of North Webster Fire Department at 574-518-2275.

The event is sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club, Hoene Tile, Airworks and C & J Backhoe. Prizes were supplied through donations from Impressive Design Homes, BuyRite, The Car Company, Dave’s Electric, Lake Lube, Roger Auto Center, Barbee Marina, Likens and Sons Construction, Claytons Garden Center, the American Legion Post 253, Jimmy’s Restaurant and Sheila’s Sweet Treats.