Firefighters put on feasts for cash

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

This Saturday, Calvert residents can pig out while contributing to a local fire department, giving both tummy and heart a feel-good fullness.

Whether preferring Maryland's summer treats of crab and shrimp or fall favorites of oysters and roast beef, North Beach and Prince Frederick volunteer fire departments will be cooking and cleaning up the mess afterwards.

The all-volunteer fire departments in Calvert rely on money from fundraisers to purchase fire apparatus, equipment and for operating expenses. Departments raise funds through regular bingo and poker tournaments, boot drives and dinners as well as hall rentals.

Beginning at 5 p.m., people can chow down on traditional Maryland steamed shrimp and crab cooked by Shoreline Seafood of Gambrills at North Beach Volunteer Fire Department's station. The ladies auxiliary is making homemade beans and cole slaw and members will be cooking barbecue pork, corn on the cob and hot dogs.

For more than 15 years the station has hosted dinners as a fundraiser, and in the recent years members have combined both crab and shrimp on the menu.

"It seems to work better for a crowd," said member Jimmy Dickerson, who is in charge of fundraising.

Members served 420 people last time they combined the two shellfish for a dinner, he said. But this summer their shrimp feast brought in about half that and Dickerson contributes the low numbers to the economy.

People may also try their luck at a money wheel, 50/50 raffle and a chance at a "basket of cheers [alcoholic beverages]," Dickerson said.

Tickets purchased in advance cost $40 and $45 at the door with Miller Lite and Yeungling on tap included in the price. The event goes until 9 p.m., but they will stop serving food at 8 p.m.

Earlier on Saturday, the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department will be serving steamed and fried oysters, roast beef and pork at its Bull and Oyster roast at its station from 3 to 7 p.m.

DJ Greg will provide entertainment and from 4 to 5 p.m., the "Boot Scooters" will perform, get the audience to participate and teach them some boot scootin' dance steps, wrote member Michelle Sigona in an e-mail.  

"Since October is fire prevention month, we will have fire prevention activities for the children to teach them fire safety, and we will give tours of the firehouse. We will also give out free fire prevention materials to the kids," Sigona wrote.

The department will also be raffling off a Jacqueline Morgan spa package and leaf blower and have a 50/50 raffle. Money raised at the event will go towards a new building since the current one has mold and heating, air condition and ventilation issues, Sigona wrote.

Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at door or $50 per couple in advance and $60 at the door and include three side dishes, beverage or two beers. To order tickets call 410-535-9875 or e-mail PFVFDFlames@verizon.net

charvat@somdnews.com