Get ready for a wonderful day of fun for the entire family! This Saturday, June 30, once again the Great Neck Vigilant and Alert Fire Companies will present their Eighth Annual Great Neck Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster 2001. The event takes place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.

Last year 48 vehicles registered. Alert Ex-Chief Len Motchkavitz and the Vigilant's Thomas J. Mansfield, co-chairs of the event, promise an equally amazing display this year. Former Chief Motchkavitz proudly announced that this year, along with the numerous antique engines, ''we are fortunate to have two steam engines, which are very rare at any muster.'' As always, there will be a great assortment of old ladder trucks, steam engines, and pumpers.

Last year all of the fire-fighting units in attendance came from the Long Island area, although in previous years there has been some equipment from New York City and New Jersey.

In addition to the fantastic display of fire apparatus at the muster, there will also be a flea market, lots of food, and, of course, lots of fun. And at the end of the day, awards will be presented. All of the awards have been donated by members and friends of both the Alert and the Vigilant fire companies. Last year over 75 awards were presented, making Great Neck's muster a truly unique muster.

''Many hours of time and work have been put into our show in order to make it the best in the New York area. The officers and members of both companies have worked hard to make this dream possible,'' said former Chief Motchkavitz.

The muster promises to provide great excitement and entertainment for one and all. Thanks to the Alert and Vigilant fire companies, we can anticipate a very special day.

Remember the Great Neck Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster 2001, this Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point (at the end of Steamboat Road). Admission is free! And the entire community is invited!