For the most part, this year's York County Firefighters Association's annual convention will be a lot like the rest.

Except this year marks the 100th time it will be held, and much of the focus of Saturday's event will be on the association, said Lt. Rick Rabuck of the North York Fire Department.

Like many volunteer fire departments, the association has been hit with a decline in active members, but Rabuck said the convention could entice the county's firefighters to take a more active role in the association.

"We want to make sure the association is around for another 100 years," he said. The association started out as a way for the county's fire companies to share ideas on firefighting and has grown into an organization that includes a fire school. "It's amazing how far its come over the years," Rabuck said. Convention: Rabuck said it's an honor for North York's Liberty Fire Co. to host the 100th convention. The last time the company hosted the event was 40 to 50 years ago.

Fire apparatus belonging to fire companies and private collectors from across the county will be on display at the 160 E. Eighth Ave. fire station throughout much of the day and various awards will be given out.

Attendees will have a say in which company or collector gets one of the awards. Event-goers can cast their vote for the People's Choice Award, Rabuck said.

Judging begins as 11:30 a.m., and awards will be given out at 3 p.m. In keeping the historical aspect of the convention, retired firefighters will serve as judges.

At noon, a parade of fire apparatus will get under way on North Duke Street and will end at Seventh Avenue.

A number of activities, including a flea market, concession stands, vendors, games and a dunk tank, will take place after the parade.

After that, firefighters will take their rigs back to their respective fire stations and then return to North York for an after party.

The party will give firefighters a chance to mingle among themselves, something they can't do when they are normally together at the scene of an incident.

"It's a very good social gathering," Rabuck said.

Convention details: The Liberty Fire Co. in North York will host the 100th York County Firefighters Association's convention at its 160 E. 8th Ave. fire station starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Fire apparatus judging begins at 11:30 a.m., and awards will be given out at 3 p.m.

A parade along North Duke Street will be held at noon. After that, there will be number of activities, including a flea market, concession stands, vendors, games and a dunk tank, attendees can take part in at the fire station.

- Reach Greg Gross at ggross@yorkdispatch.com.