Educational Response Vehicle Goes For A Test Drive To Oakland Roots

On Saturday, we took The Crucible’s ERV—aka our brand-new Educational Response Vehicle—for a short test drive over to the Oakland Roots game at Laney College Stadium. The stadium was packed and we were lucky enough to meet the cutest cheerleaders in Oakland and see the Oakland Roots win against the Michigan Stars.

The cutest group of soccer fans pose with ERV, our Educational Response Vehicle, before the start of the Oakland Roots game.

Thanks to generous sponsorship and support from Google, CASS Inc., and Panoramic Interests, we are in the process of retrofitting this former fire truck, so we can bring the magic of The Crucible’s studios to schools, corporate gatherings, and community events across the Bay Area. In the next few weeks, we’ll be adding dazzling fire poofers and the equipment and tools needed to facilitate hands-on activities and demos like indigo dyeing, jewelry, blacksmithing, and more.

A Second Life For Our Educational Response Vehicle

This is the second life for ERV at The Crucible. We had previously operated a 1960 International Harvester fire engine, outfitted with a blacksmithing forge, oxy-acetylene welding, and a fire poofer that wowed crowds across the region. But due to a number of mechanical issues, the vintage 1960’s ERV has been off the road for many years.

The need for arts exposure and arts education in the Bay Area has never been greater. Our new ERV—complete with two interactive fire poofers, an engine younger than your grandparents, a working generator, and tons of storage—will be a true force for arts exposure throughout the region.

The original ERV, aka our Educational Response Vehicle, in action.

The Crucible can’t wait to take ERV to local schools, companies, parades, and community events to expose the wonders of the fine and industrials arts to everyone.

We’re planning an official unveiling for press and community partners in the coming weeks. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out. And stay tuned for updates on how our Educational Response Vehicle can be part of your next event!