Enjoy great barbecue with community friends while supporting the Radford Fire Department during its annual fund-raising event.

This Sunday, RFD’s members and volunteers will be out serving the food to all who are willing to support the local fire department. Profits from the barbecue go to pay for extra expenses not covered by the annual budget.

The Radford Fire Department normally has two such fund-raising events, the barbecue sale and the annual car show. which both help tremendously in covering alternative payments. Such expenses include pagers, equipment, gear, and accessories that the fireman need while on the job. Besides these other expenses, the RFD will be receiving a “new ladder truck expected in February or March,” said Fire Chief Lee Simpkins. This “100 foot aerial ladder” is touted to be a great improvement for the fire department.

The event will be Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Family entertainment will be provided by the Butterfly’s Fun Company and also attending will be Sparky the RFD fire dog. Located in the truck garage, seating and serving will be held mostly indoors, but the event is scheduled rain or shine. The event is “sort of like a fellowship” where everyone can sit and talk before winter kicks in.

The barbecue is supplied by Smokey’s famous barbecue located in Wytheville. Offering in-garage dinning, take out, and barbecue by the pound for leftovers, Smokey’s will have plenty to serve. Prices are marked as $7 for a meal with full appetizers, $3 sandwich and $8 per pound.

Located at Wadsworth and 16th St., the firehouse is a local beacon of safety, and now good barbecue.

Wheatley Stefan is an intern with the New River Voice.