Published: June 28, 2008 10:45 pm      

New Waverly VFD sets Fourth of July fundraiser

Members of the New Waverly Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate the Fourth of July by hosting its annual fundraiser.

The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. with lunch and closes with a bang when volunteer firefighters ignite a fireworks display at dark.

More than 350 people have attended the benefit in past years, drawing people from Walker and surrounding counties.

A variety of activities and games will be available for youngsters throughout the afternoon.

Firefighter Mark Atherton said the New Waverly department uses proceeds to purchase equipment, tools and other gear.

A barbecue lunch begins at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph’s Church Hall, which also is the site of a live auction beginning at 1 p.m. Barbecue plates to go will be available.

Dinner plates are $7 each with brisket, sausage and chicken served along with the trimmings and desert.

The fire department will raffle numerous items around 7:30 p.m. prior to the start of the fireworks display at First Victoria Bank.

Three of the raffle items are a Honda Rancher 4-Wheeler, big-screen television and stainless grill.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

“This is an event that the whole family can attend and is fun for the family,” Atherton said. “It’s safe and close to home.”

The fire department’s ladies auxiliary will join the firefighters selling tickets and preparing plates to go.

The fire department currently has in service a 3,000-gallon tanker, engine pumper and rescue pumper, two booster trucks used to fight brush fires and first responder vehicle for emergency medical services personnel.

For more information, phone Atherton at (936) 672-4927.