Savannah Fire Fundraiser Serves Up Chicken, Classic Cars and Community Support
SAVANNAH, Ohio — The smell of barbecue chicken, the shine of classic cars and the spirit of community support filled Savannah on Saturday as the Savannah Volunteer Fire Company held its 22nd annual Chicken Barbecue and Car Show.
The event was held Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Savannah Fire Station, located at 6 Haney Street in Savannah. The car show ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the barbecue began serving at noon.
Savannah Volunteer Fire Company Chief Steve Dinsmore said firefighters and volunteers started working long before guests arrived.
“This morning, we started at 5 getting everything warmed up and getting the chicken on about a quarter till 6,” Dinsmore said.
Between 650 and 700 chicken halves were prepared for this year’s fundraiser. Approximately 325 people had already been served by the halfway point, with another two-and-a-half hours remaining.
The accompanying car show attracted just under 100 vehicles, despite occasional sprinkles throughout the day.
“We had a great turnout for the weather we had,” Dinsmore said. “We had a few sprinkles, but it didn’t deter them. They got out, buffed up their cars again and went on with the show.”
Car owners paid a $10 registration fee to participate, providing another way to support the volunteer fire company.
Held annually on the first Saturday in August, the barbecue and car show is the department’s only yearly fundraiser. Last year’s event generated approximately $10,000.
While that may sound like a substantial amount, Dinsmore explained that the rapidly rising cost of emergency equipment means every dollar matters.
“With the current pricing and how much things have increased in cost, that will get you one set of turnout gear,” he said. “We really have to rely heavily on grants and those types of things to help supplement, but every little bit helps.”
The department recently received a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update its self-contained breathing apparatus, commonly known as SCBAs, to systems equipped with 45-minute air bottles. Money raised Saturday will help the department purchase the additional accessories needed to bring the equipment up to current standards.
Community support began well before the grills were lit. The department sought donations of potatoes, macaroni, baked beans, green beans, condiments, cooking supplies, beverages and other necessities needed to prepare and serve hundreds of meals. Residents were also encouraged to contribute pies, cakes, brownies and other baked goods, along with monetary donations.
Dinsmore thanked the many businesses and individuals who helped make the event possible, including Case Farms, which donated all of the chicken for approximately the third consecutive year.
“That’s a huge amount of support because our biggest expense is getting the chicken,” Dinsmore said. “We really appreciate them.”
A special shoutout also went to Ervin Yoder and Dean Weaver for lending a hand Saturday morning and, for the record, the chicken was officially declared “Yoder Approved.”
For Dinsmore, who has participated in the event for approximately 35 years, the fundraiser represents far more than chicken dinners and polished classic cars. It gives residents an opportunity to visit the station, examine the department’s equipment and see how their support directly strengthens emergency services.
“They get to come up and see the equipment, see the money that we’re spending and what we’re doing,” Dinsmore said. “They can see the service that we’re able to provide when they need it. I think it’s important that they get to see what their money is going toward.”
Dinsmore said the Savannah community has consistently supported its volunteer firefighters throughout the years, regardless of the weather.
“We’ve never had any bad years,” he said. “They’ll come out no matter what. It’s just about community.”
