West Leechburg, Gilpin, Leechburg, Parks fire departments to hold gun bash

Four local fire departments are coming together to raise funds by throwing a community gun bash.

Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company, West Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department, Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department and Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will hold a “Kiski Valley ’80s Beach Bash” on Saturday at the West Leechburg Fire Hall.

The event will be the first time the departments are collaborating to host a large event.

“I thought it would be nice for us to come together as a community,” Leechburg VFD support member Melissa Aller said.

Gilpin VFD President Duane Knepshield said it feels good to work with the other fire departments. He said the departments have been relying on each other for support as membership rates decline.

He said his department plans to use the money raised for operational costs and its truck fund.

Doors open at 11 a.m., and the event will run from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and will be available at the door, Aller said.

Aller said she hopes to make the occasion an annual event. So far, 957 tickets have been sold. Aller said the departments are aiming to raise $5,000 for each department.

There will be a 50-50 raffle. Throughout the day, guns, purses and cash prizes will be raffled, along with a kayak.

Stacy John, president of Parks Township VFD, said the department holds its own bashes in January and November. She thinks the departments collaborating to bring their communities together makes sense.

“We work together on fire calls and thought it would be nice to come together to raise funds and get communities together,” she said. “We are all small communities that aren’t that far apart.”

John said the number of tickets sold already makes a great impact. She said she expects a great turnout for the event.

John said the money raised will help the department with remodeling and getting new equipment.

“(Our funds) will be used for different things depending on our needs at the time,” she said.

For questions or concerns, reach out to Aller at allermelissa@comcast.net or 724-332-9090.