It's a really long and windy drive on Mulholland to get to Station 99 but it's not every day you get to see Smokey the Bear. Station 99 serves Beverly Glen and was having a community fundraiser day and I tagged along because I never have anything going on in my life. There were enough adults without kids walking around so it wasn't weird. I guess if I crawled into the bounce house and popped it with my weight, it would turn awkward. Yes, they had a bounce house too! And a petting zoo, food for donations, silent auctions, a dozen booths with information and giveaways, and FREE FIRE ENGINE RIDES out front (I have to say fire engine and not fire truck because fire engines hold water and fire trucks hold tools. This smart-ass of one of my BFF's kid always corrects me so I now know the difference). They also had an area where you can put out a house fire by shooting water at targets that were made to look like fire in the various rooms of the house. There were also two mounted LAPD officers. Couldn't remember their names but their horses were named AJ and Montana and they eat carrots, apples and alfalfa.
Anyway, many of the "real" firefighters were grilling and serving in the food line. I didn't partake in any food because I didn't have any cash on me, but I'm sure their popcorn and hot dogs and whatever else was served were extra delicious. There were also cadets or junior firefighters who honestly just look like boys in light blue uniform.
Parking was mainly all across the street. The station is not hard to find. On a non-special day, you can probably park right out front.
Dammit, I should have felt Smokey's fur to see if it was soft. I guess I'll be back next year to find out. read more