Newcastle Fire Department reschedules chili day fundraiser for March 25

The Newcastle Fire Department has rescheduled its chili day for Friday, March 25, after winter storms last month forced the event to be postponed.

The NFD is no stranger to fundraising delays. Due to the pandemic, the department has been unable to host its largest fundraiser for the past two years, but said they are happy to be able to bring it back this year.

Firemen and other volunteers with the NFD encourage everyone to purchase tickets and make plans to attend chili day in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church on Rosser Street on Friday, March 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. A silent auction will also be held.

This will be the department’s 14th year to host the chili fundraiser and silent auction.

Funds raised during the event help the department budget for anything from firefighting equipment, truck maintenance, building needs and more, according to volunteer Kendall Pettus.

"It's a big part of our annual budget," said Pettus.

Tickets, which are $8 in advance and $9 at the door, are good for a bowl of chili, crackers, corn chips, cheese, two cookies and a drink.

"We will have a drive-through option for those who purchase tickets in advance," said Pettus. “The drive-through is new this year. Those using the drivethrough service will pull up north of the fellowship hall on Lamar Avenue.”

Delivery is another option for businesses that purchase eight or more tickets, according to Pettus.

"If you dine in you can have seconds or thirds for free," said Pettus.

Those who choose the dine-in option may also participate in a bake sale and silent auction.

"We will have our silent auction and bake sale and we normally do really well with

those," said Pettus. "It's always stuff from local businesses and places. It's a variety of things.”

Pettus also said volunteers are needed for the Newcastle Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

"We need more volunteers," said Pettus. "They can contact Lisa Pettus if they are interested. They are the backbone of our organization. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn't have a fire department."

To purchase tickets in advance, contact Pettus at 870317-4835 or at White Motor Company at 870-633-1000.