KETTLERSVILLE — After hours of meetings and a bevy of volunteers, the 47th Annual Kettlersville-Van Buren Township Fire Department Firemen’s Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 16, on the township grounds at the Fire Department.

The event, attended by a multitude of Shelby County residents, former residents, and even those who just enjoy a good festival, has been a fundraising event for the Fire Department since 1970. And, there is something for everyone.

Running from 3 p.m. to midnight, the kids games, barrel rides, pony rides, cake wheel, and chicken dinners start at 3. The firefighters/volunteers and women’s auxiliary prepare 400 chicken dinners ($8) along with hamburgers and more.

The Life Flight helicopter will be on display from 4 to 6 pm as long as they do not have an emergency transport.

There is also a silent auction from 3 to 9 p.m. which includes a wood carving of the Last Supper, Columbus Zoo tickets, car detailing, Lord’s Prayer wood carving, chainsaw, Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium tickets, and more. A special raffle will be held for a two-night stay at a Hocking Hills cabin.

The 11 p.m. drawing has 90 chances at cash, gift certificates, free pizza, massage, and cases of oil all from a variety of local businesses, organizations and individuals. Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20.

The funds received from the picnic have helped purchase equipment for the department including fire hose, new turnout gear, hydraulic rescue tools (jaws) and water rescue equipment. A recent gun raffle paid for new air bottles.

There is plenty of parking available and activities for the whole family.

Fire Chief Charlie Axe says the firefighters and residents truly appreciate the support of all the volunteers, businesses, and Life Flight. Assistance is also received from the Botkins and New Bremen Fire Departments. Axe notes they help out New Bremen with their July 23 community picnic.