Activities will get underway this coming Friday (July 25), with a week of training and classes followed by three days of fun and games at the convention that will bring in almost 3,000 people to town over the August civic holiday weekend.

The convention will take place at the New Tecumseth Joint Operations Centre on County Road 1 just west of Beeton.

A 38-acre parcel of vacant land owned by the town directly behind the operations centre is being transformed into a modern campground complete with power supply and showers.

In addition to the work completed by volunteers from local firefighters' associations, Hydro One and Barrie Hydro have donated their time, effort and materials to provide a source of electricity that will supply the camp sites and power street lights that will illuminate key areas of the grounds.

Hydro One crews have been busy erecting the poles to carry the lines and installing the power cables and lights. Twenty-five Hydro One associates have been involved in the project. Many of the volunteers are still in training and the opportunity provided a chance for them to advance their knowledge while working with experienced supervisors on the job.

Barrie Hydro supplied the transformers needed at the campsite and the hook up to the electrical grid.

New Tecumseth Fire Chief Dan Heydon said the location is central to the three fire associations involved in hosting the convention.

"The convention is being hosted by the firefighters' associations of Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham," Heydon explained. "This is a good location as it's right in the middle of New Tecumseth. We already have over 300 camp sites booked and we're expecting around 400 in total. We should see close to 3,000 people who will attend in total. We'll be hosting training course during the week prior to when the convention will be held."

The weekend activities will included demonstrations as well as fun activities for both participants and visitors including traditional firefighters' games.