Sweet Home Fireman’s Fest set May 20, 21

  • The car, truck, and bike show at the Sweet Home VFD Fireman’s Fest attracted stunning classic cars for the 15th annual event in 2021. COURTESY PHOTO
    The car, truck, and bike show at the Sweet Home VFD Fireman’s Fest attracted stunning classic cars for the 15th annual event in 2021. COURTESY PHOTO

    The 16th annual Sweet Home VFD Fireman’s Fest will return to town next weekend with barbecue cook-off contests, a car show, music, and other festivities.

     

    In addition to providing community members and visitors an opportunity to socialize over good food and entertainment, the two-day event is one of the volunteer department’s most significant annual fundraisers.

     

    "(The Fireman's Fest) is how we raise our funds - one of our two fundraisers that we do each year,” said Firefighter Julie Hahn. “It is to raise funds for buying gear, equipment, trucks, (and) whatever else we may need to make this station function as it's supposed to and provide the community and surrounding areas with the best fire protection responses."

     

    The proceeds from this year’s fest will primarily go towards a 2,000-gallon water tender that could be crucial in saving lives and properties affected by rural fires.

     

    “(The water tender is) very much needed. When we have big fires, one of the biggest things that is asked for is simply a water tender to shuttle water,” said Hahn. “When you have the small brush trucks, they only carry three hundred gallons, so they have to go in and come back out to refill.”

     

    The weekend’s festivities kick off Friday, May 20, with music by Mr. DJ Bo Raz from 6 p.m. until midnight. Gumbo prepared and served by firefighters will be sold throughout the night as supplies last. There will be several different food vendors in the area to accommodate guests in addition to the gumbo. 

     

    On Saturday, May 21, the cook-off contests begin at 11 a.m. and will feature various dishes ranging from desserts to traditional barbecue.

     

    While teams are busy preparing their meals for the judges, guests can explore the car show that has attracted over 100 stunning vehicles in past years. Kids 12-years-old and younger can compete in the traditional Bucket Brigade at 1:30 p.m. 


    The celebration will move to the Sweet Home Community Center behind the fire department at 8 p.m. on Saturday for a live performance from the great country music band “South Paw”.

     

    Funds will be raised for the department throughout the fest through boot raffles with prizes that include weapons, a dominos table, a picnic table, and more. The traditional Bird’s Booze Wagon - named in honor of the late Ben “Bird” Kopecky - will be stocked full of adult beverages and available as a raffle prize.

     

    Fire Chief Larry Kupka explained that the relaxed atmosphere makes the event a unique celebration and keeps guests coming back each year. 

     

    “(One) of the comments made by the folks that have participated in our Fire Fest is, 'We’re looking forward to Sweet Home. We're really looking forward to it…,'” said Kupka. “Sweet Home is so laid back and so countrified.”

     

    Those interested in finding out more information about the event or signing up to participate in the cookoffs can reach Julie Hahn at (361) 550-7628.