Food trucks, art vendors turn up to support Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3

With more than 25 local craft vendors and about 15 food vendors, Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3’s food truck rally and vendor show aimed to raise funds for fire hall renovations.

The event, which they held at the fire hall Saturday afternoon, gave vendors an opportunity to showcase their wares while helping the fire department finance projects like painting the building, working on the roof and repaving the parking lot.

The fire hall hasn’t had a renovation in 26 years, according to Assistant Chief Brennan Sites. Current renovations will likely cost the department between $60,000 and $80,000 — a cost defrayed by events such as this.

Assistant Chief Brennan Sites said Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 is expecting about 15 food vendors and more than 25 craft vendors today at their food truck rally and vendor show, going on till 6 p.m. at their fire hall. pic.twitter.com/Q5c2ugIDJX

— Julia Felton (@JuliaFelton16) October 9, 2021

While fundraising is important, Sites said the fire department also wanted to forge meaningful community relationships with events like the vendor show and food truck rally. They host several similar events each year, he said, inviting the public to interact with them and see the fire hall and its renovations.

“They can see their fundraising money at work,” he said.

Firefighters mingled with vendors and visitors, something Sites said means a lot to them.

“We want them to meet us on a good day, so if, God forbid, they need us on the worst day of their life, they know us,” he said.

Vendors set up tables inside the fire hall and at a tent outside, with food trucks parked behind the buildings.

All of the vendors were local, and their products ranged from honey and tea to homemade jewelry and Halloween decorations.

“I think that if you support vendors, you’re helping support their families,” said Erin Shaffer of Leechburg, who was selling handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

She began crafting homemade jewelry during the pandemic when she lost her job. Making jewelry gave her something to do, and selling the items at vendor fairs has helped bring in extra cash.

Ashley Sladisky of Plum, whose homemade jewelry table featured several Halloween-themed offerings, said she, too, began making jewelry in the midst of the pandemic.

“I had to find a hobby,” she said, explaining that she started making jewelry for family and friends before watching her new business blossom.

“It’s refreshing just to get back out there,” she said, adding that she’s made many friends at vendor fairs like the fire department’s. “Doing shows like this, it’s a sense of community. Giving back is definitely a bonus.”

Craft vendors at capacity

The fire department was at full capacity for craft vendors, said Brandy Grieff, who organized the craft vendors at the event. Her husband, Chad, is a lieutenant with the fire company. Each vendor donated $30 to the department to secure their space.

“I just put together a whole variety of everything under the sun,” she said.

Supporting the fire department was important to James Barton of New Kensington, owner of The Hot Dog Guys, a food truck selling an array of hot dogs. He, along with his brother, Paul, said supporting local first responders is something they aim to do often by participating in fundraising events.

“They’re essential,” Paul Barton saidt. “They’re the ones that step into danger on our behalf. The men and women here are fantastic.”

Other food vendors offered donuts, Chinese food, beer and sandwiches.

John Gourley was manning the Doughtastic food truck, which serves up food like waffle fries and fried dough sandwiches, made with fried pizza dough.

“It’s a win-win,” he said of the event. “It helps us out and it helps them out. I think people say, ‘I’m going to going out and support my fire hall and get something to eat. Fire halls need that local support to survive.”

The community support means a lot to members of the fire department, said Dave Chelko, a department member who was ordering food from the Wok on Wheels food truck.

“It’s vital,” he said. “If stuff like this doesn’t happen, we don’t exist.”