The Henleyfield Volunteer Fire Department will host its fourth annual community appreciation day celebration on Oct. 28 at the Henleyfield Community Center on Hwy. 43.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., will be free to the public and will include various activities for people of all ages.

“The event will include an automobile extrication demonstration, a firefighter maze and a youth firefighter challenge,” Board Member Darryl Smith said. “The youth firefighter challenge will consist of kids running with a water hose, running with a mannequin and hitting targets with the water hose as well.”

Drug and arson dogs will give live demonstrations and the local rescue helicopter will be on display.

The Henleyfield VFD will provide free lunch to everyone, which will consist of pulled pork and chicken, but donations will be accepted.

A bake sale will also take place and door prizes will be given out throughout the event.

At 2 p.m., the homemade ice cream contest will begin and the winner will take home a brand-new homemade ice cream maker. The contest is open to everyone in the community, Smith said.

“We will also hold a raffle drawing where people can win prizes ranging from guns to cash…,” Smith said. “You’ll be able to buy one ticket for $5, 5 for $30 and 30 for $100. We have over $6,000 worth of prizes.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items during an auction consisting of donations to the fire department.

A bloodmobile will also be on-site for anyone interested in donating blood.

All funds collected during this event will go toward the construction of the new fire station and payments for the new fire truck.

“I invite the public to come out and enjoy a day with the family,” Smith said. “We had a lot of fun with everyone last year and we’re hoping for the same experience this year.”

For more information, contact Smith at (601) 273-1797 or visit the Henleyfield Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page.