Firefighters sponsor Community Day
FAIRCHANCE – As a way of saying thanks to the people who have supported them, the Fairchance Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring its annual Community Day celebration July 4 to 6 at the fire hall. Firefighter and event coordinator Dave Smith said the event not only allows the fire department to say thanks but also lets those residents who can’t afford to help support the company in donations to lend support in attending and being a community.
The three-day event will run in the evenings to allow families to enjoy the holidays at home before joining the rest of the community for fun and games and late night band music. Festivities will kick off Thursday with the Little Miss and Mister competition at 6 p.m.
Sharon Lake, who is helping to coordinate the “come as you are” pageants, noted that everyone was surprised at the interest little boys showed in the event’s premiere last year. In this the second year for the boys, Lake said she hopes to see even more boys participating.
Two age groups are competing for the crown and for the $100 savings bond: the Little Miss and Mister group for kids 2 to 5 years old and the Miss and Mister for ages 6 to 10 years.
By keeping the event fun and casual, kids can have fun without having the formality of gowns and costumes, Lake said.
Elsewhere, the women’s auxiliary will host a food booth, while the fire department hosts game booths where participants can test their skill or luck. With the high temperatures, the dunk tank isn’t lacking for volunteers. Smith said the popular crowd-pleaser will be well-staffed.
Each night of the celebration will feature a band performing live music. On Thursday, the country band Double Deuce will play from 8 p.m. to midnight, with a break at 10 p.m. for the annual fireworks display. On Friday, Ruff Creek will take the stage at 8 p.m. and play country tunes.
The last night will feature Gas House Annie from 8 p.m. to midnight, playing anything from country to popular tunes.
Also in the evenings, workers from Life Flight will have a helicopter and crew on the grounds to show the curious what a medical helicopter is and does during emergencies.
“We hope everyone comes out for good food and for the community,” Smith said.