The next edition of Bluebonnet News Headlines and Heartlines features Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Paul Gregory and Firefighter/Public Information Officer Clayton Eustler, who are gearing up for the department’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The annual fundraiser is set for Saturday, Sept. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. at Tarkington VFD’s Station 1 on SH 321, just west of the SH 105 intersection. While the official start time is 10 a.m., barbecue lovers are urged to arrive early — by 9 a.m. — as the department typically sells out of food within the first half hour.
Gregory explained that the annual fundraiser plays a vital role in covering the department’s needs.
“It is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year, we doubled the amount we made the year before, so we’re hoping we can do the same this year,” he said. “Everything is getting so expensive for fire service, with some things quadrupling over the last 10 years.”
The fundraiser will offer barbecue plates, including one-meat, two-meat, three-meat and sandwich plates, as well as barbecue by the pound and whole chickens. Prices are still being set as meat costs are finalized. A live auction will begin at noon with plenty of items available, and donations will continue to be accepted until the day of the event.
This year, the department is adding expanded seating, a canopy for shade, and shuttle service to and from Hi-Way Tabernacle Church across the street. Polk County Carts is donating two golf carts for shuttles.
Gregory noted that the department depends not just on money but also on manpower. For rural fire agencies like Tarkington VFD, it’s not just money that is needed — it’s the volunteer manpower, and volunteers these days are in short supply.
The annual fundraiser has helped pay for firefighter training and equipment in the past. Earlier this year, the department also received a $95,000 FEMA grant that upgraded its air packs and SCBA bottles, but Gregory emphasized that community support remains critical to sustain operations.
“Come early if you want food,” Gregory said. “Then stick around, listen to some music, and fellowship with your fellow Tarkingtonians.”
To hear more about the event and the challenges the department faces, tune in to the latest episode of Headlines and Heartlines on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QfO9f6KfrFwrPahpNEMYT?si=96428388a4f44c4f. You can also listen to this podcast on Tuesday and Friday, Sept. 9 and 12, on KILE FM Radio 94.9, or the radio station website: https://www.kilefm.com.