West End open house a success

On Aug. 27, the West End volunteer fire department put on an open house and car show. This was several months in planning, and it paid off. We had the largest turnout yet for the West End fire station.

The car show was the first one and hopefully the beginning of many more, had a great turnout. Many cars were local, but word got out and a couple of rods came 100-plus miles to be entered. Trophies were given for first, second and third place, with a trophy going to best in show.

The volunteers of the fire department decided to have a potluck. This allowed everyone to make and bring their favorite foods, while the fire department barbecued chicken, hot dogs and burgers.

What a success. The community came out in full support.It was a wonderful gathering of friends and neighbors of volunteer fire and rescue.

The rescued Anglen family from Idaho featured in an earlier article this year showed up to thank West End. The family has a candy business and brought their cotton candy machine, with all proceeds from the candy sales at the open house donated to the fire department.

Many yard games were set up on the grounds including cornhole, horseshoes, ball on a string, a pool for the children, the fire trucks were included in the various things for children to do. Sirens sounded off constantly as the children played in the big red trucks.

Many thanks go to the personnel, Donna Richter, for much of the planning. Keith Woody and Randy Friley, Joey Delatorre spent many hours working side by side with Donna.

In 2023 we are hoping to have our second annual car show. We hope to see you there.

— Frank Magee is Fire Chief and President of the West End Fire Department.