East Wood VFD blazes sweet trail with scaled down social
The Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department held a scaled back version of the annual ice cream social fundraiser on Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Cooper Elliot, 4, hugs Smokey Bear at the annual ice cream social fundraiser on Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Tammy Utt, wife of Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Utt, hands out activities and other goodies to children at the annual ice cream social fundraiser Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Smokey Bear came out to see kids raise funds on Saturday. He waved at cars, who stopped and would make a donation to the fire department. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
The Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department held a scaled back version of the annual ice cream social fundraiser on Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Cooper Elliot, 4, hugs Smokey Bear at the annual ice cream social fundraiser on Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Tammy Utt, wife of Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Utt, hands out activities and other goodies to children at the annual ice cream social fundraiser Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Smokey Bear came out to see kids raise funds on Saturday. He waved at cars, who stopped and would make a donation to the fire department. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
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DAVISVILLE -- The East Wood Volunteer Fire Department held a scaled back version of the annual ice cream social fundraiser on Saturday.
"Normally we would have a band, silent auction, door prizes and games, but not this year," said East Wood Fire Chief Rob Utt.
The social did however have music, Smokey Bear and of course, food and ice cream.
"It is nice to have the community out and see everyone, even if it is just for food and ice cream," he said.
Many fire departments were unable to host fundraisers during the pandemic, and although restrictions are lifting, other area fire departments are still deciding if they will be hosting one this year.
"Donations, especially to those who still can't hold fundraisers are still helpful," said Utt.
Pond Creek has already canceled theirs again this year, and Mineral Wells is undecided.
Although unsure about their own events, many local departments still found their way to Davisville to support East Wood, comparing the fire departments to one big family.
"The departments of Wood County are like one great family, we stick and stay together, we might not always agree, but there is not one department that doesn't get along," said Williamstown deputy fire chief Paul Jordan. "If one department needs something, we can just pick up the phone and call. Someone is always ready and able to help."
Williamstown will hold their ice cream social on July 16 from 6-9:30 p.m.
"We don't often get to see each other except on calls, so it is great to be able to come together and just have a good time supporting each other," said Sean Gallagher, assistant chief at Mineral Wells.
Gallagher said when the department does decide on any community events, they will post it on their Facebook site.
Lt. Robert Wherry with Waverly Volunteer Fire Department and his wife Rachael were also out enjoying the event.
Wherry has been a fire fighter for over 30 years, and said he tries to make it out to all the events.
"It is nice to get back out into the community, especially because we are all so close knit," said Wherry.
Many community members and other departments were able to go visit the social throughout the day, and Utt said it was a good turnout.
Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com