From left, Kasen Forrider takes an ice cream cone from Josh Chevalier at Saturday’s Little Hocking Ice Cream Social. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

LITTLE HOCKING — Residents gathered in Little Hocking Saturday for the annual ice cream social, a long-standing community tradition that dates back more than 60 years.

Started in 1963 with a handful of volunteers serving hand-cranked ice cream from the back of a flatbed truck, the event has grown into a major homecoming celebration featuring live music, fireworks and plenty of sweet treats.

“It’s kind of a homecoming for the community,” said Little Hocking Fire Chief Mike Chevalier. “People bring their families, spend the weekend. We’ve got pulled pork dinners, ice cream, games for the kids, and live music playing at six o’clock. Tonight at dark, the fireworks will begin.”

The annual event is hosted by the Little Hocking Volunteer Fire Department and draws participation from across the region, including Belpre and Warren Township.

“We try to get everybody invited to the parade,” Chevalier said. “We’re glad to see the other fire departments come out. We all support each other really well in Washington County.”

RJ Walker scoops ice cream for attendees at the Little Hocking Ice Cream Social on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The ice cream social is an annual event for Belpre local Micki Kettleson.

“We moved her a few years back and were looking for ways to get in touch with the community, make friends, then we found this and everyone here has always been so fantastic,” she said.

In addition to the social, the fire department is preparing for its next major fundraiser, a pancake breakfast to be held during Fire Prevention Week in October. The breakfast will take place the Saturday following the awareness week at the fire station and is donation-based.

“You come and get all you want for donations,” Chevalier said.

The event continues to serve as a way for the community to come together in celebration while also supporting the local fire department’s efforts throughout the year.

From left, Robbie Enoch and Josh Clifton grill up hot dogs for the Little Hocking Ice Cream Social on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

From left, Michael Ellis and Waylon Sayer rush to grab candy at the parade for the Little Hocking Ice Cream Social on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Volunteers from the Little Hocking Fire Department serve cookout style food for the annual ice cream social on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

A crowd gathers for the parade at the Little Hocking Ice Cream Social on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)