HARRELLS — For 49 years, community members showed their support to volunteer fire fighters during one of the biggest celebrations in town.
That tradition will continue this fall. The 50th anniversary of Harrells Community Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28. Proceeds will benefit the Harrells Volunteer Fire Department.
Many activities are scheduled for the event, which gives residents a chance to fellowship with family and friends. Many people no longer living in Harrells return to attend the event. As a member of the Harrells Community Committee, Kim Johnson is looking forward to seeing those individuals, along with others in town.
“I would like to extend an invitation for everyone to come out and join us on Saturday, Oct. 28 for good food, fun and fellowship,” Johnson said. “Harrells is a small community in size but big in heart and we proud of our town, our fire department and our citizens.”
Johnson added that the committee is guaranteeing a great day for the 50th celebration. It began in 1967 as a carnival fundraiser for the fire department. The event evolved other years and for a decade, it’s been known as Harrells Community Day. Each year, a committee of volunteers and members from the fire department plan the event, which draws between 400 and 500 people each year.
Community Day will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a parade on Main Street, with Chief George McGill and his wife Priscilla as grand marshals. McGill recently celebrated 50 years with the Harrells Fire Department. Some of the other participants include local government officials, Sudan Clowns and Roadsters, firefighters, antique cars and local winners of queen pageants.
Wood cooked barbecue will be available at 11 a.m. Plates are $7 each and includes a dessert and beverage. Carnival fair food such as hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, funnel cakes will also be served.
Along with the parade, the event will feature craft vendors, shows for classic cars and antique tractors. During the event, children will enjoy activities as well. A lawnmower pull with modified lawnmowers is set for noon.
At 3 p.m. the committee are starting a raffle with a penny social, with more than 150 items to be given away. Raffle tickets for a gas grill and Yeti cooler are being sold.