''Overall we were very pleased with the whole thing,'' Brigade captain Bernie Dowie said.

''Over 12 months of planning went into the celebrations, and it was a pretty big three days.''

Ararat Fire Brigade opened its doors last Thursday evening, inviting the community to view a wide array of historic and current photographs, a promotional film and various information leaflets.

As a special treat, visitors were able to explore two vintage fire engines on loan from the Melbourne Fire Museum.

The 1861 Shand-Mason fire pump and the 1938 Dodge Pumper also formed part of Friday night's torchlight parade.

Mr Dowie and Country Fire Authority Region 16 operations manager John Athorn led the parade as it made its way down Barkly Street.

''We also had a Bronto appliance from Ballarat which went up into the sky,'' Mr Dowie said.

The arrival of the ladder platform vehicle was a highlight of the parade, with the crowd watching on in awe as the ladder was raised 42 metres into the air.

Members from 11 visiting fire brigades participated in the march which concluded at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre.

Many of these members stuck around for Saturday evening's 150th anniversary dinner held at the Arts Centre.

''We had about 175 guests attend, including the Deputy-Chief officer of the CFA, Member for Ripon Joe Helper and Ararat Rural City Mayor, Gwenda Allgood,'' he said.

Past and present members enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce and catch up with mates.

The annual Brigade Service Awards were presented at the dinner, including the prestigious `Firefighter of the Year' award, which was bestowed upon Peter Baxter.

A number of service awards were presented to members for their years' service, including a 35 year service medal to Mr Dowie and a 55 year service medal to past captain Alan Butt.

Bev Walker was recognised for her long service to the Ladies' Auxiliary and special Royal Children's Hospital awards were also conferred, beginning with a Distinguished Service Award to Jim Jackson.