By Merle Monahan/Contributing Writer
merlemonah@aol.com

IVOR
The fourth annual Gun Bash, Ivor Fire Department’s major fundraiser, lived up to members’ expectations Saturday when nearly 150 people filled the fire station to support the volunteers.

“It was the biggest crowd we’ve had so far,” said department President Frank Britt. “We couldn’t be more pleased.

“But then we have always had good community support,” he added, noting that the department was organized more than 60 years ago and the fundraisers are always well attended.

The gun bash seems to be a popular event, Britt continued. “It offers something for everyone, from the kids on up to adults.

“There were at least 45 door prizes, of which 20 were especially for the kids,” he said. “These prizes, in the form of merchandise or cash which is used to purchase prizes, are donated to the bash by area businesses.”

Tickets for door prizes are sold at the door, while tickets for the gun raffle are sold in advance.

Britt said this year there were 18 rifles and two bows. Winners must pick up the guns at the store from which they were purchased, because there is the normal amount of paperwork, as well as a background check before the gun leaves the premises.

“We follow all the rules,” he added. “We always make sure of that.”

Proceeds from the bash, which are used for the department’s operating expenses, have not yet been determined.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the firemen who participated in the bash,” Britt concluded.

“Money raised at these events goes a long way toward paying our expenses and we could not put them on without the help of our friends.”