Ice cream social held

The Firefighters Ice Cream Social on Aug. 11, features fire and rescue demonstrations, games, hand-grilled food, and (of course) cold and creamy ice cream.

Presented by Washington Township firefighters, the Ice Cream Social draws an average of 6,000 people each year and takes place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fire Station 44, 6690 Centerville Business Parkway, off Clyo Road. Admission is free and the social takes place rain or shine.

Activities for children are plentiful and include competing in a bucket brigade, shooting water at a pretend fire, playing in mounds of foam, and meeting Sparky the Fire Dog. Sparky will also judge ice cream and pie eating contests. Many activities provide educational opportunities, including displays of antique engines, tours of fire apparatus, and live fire and rescue demonstrations — from a traffic accident to an aerial ladder rescue. Visitors also can take a look inside both CareFlight and MedFlight helicopters.

Washington Township firefighters will scoop ice cream and hand grill barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn-on-the cob. Traditional summer side dishes include slaw, baked beans and pie served by firefighters. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

Proceeds from raffle and food sales benefit Washington Township Firefighters Association, an independent, charitable organization of township firefighters which exists to serve the Washington Township Fire Department and its members.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Ice Cream Social for a large assortment of prizes donated by local merchants. Tickets also can be downloaded at wtffa.org, then mailed or brought to the social.