Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 hosts craft-themed fundraiser that serves as community reunion
Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 hosted its second annual Craft and Vendor Show on Saturday.
Company president Mike Ogurchock said the event raised about $17,000 last year and proceeds go to the company’s general fund.
“During covid we had a lot of restrictions and we couldn’t hold our carnival. We lost thousands of dollars,” said Ogurchock of the pandemic’s effect on fundraising.
This year, no covid restrictions have stood in the way of continuing fundraisers, which have included food truck festivals.
The company hosts two or three similar fundraising events annually.
“We are in the process of finishing building renovations. We had to have the entire building re-pointed last year,” Ogurchock said.
Ogurchock said the project budget is “tens of thousands” of dollars.
Other repairs have included painting, fixing the deck, roof repairs and replacing HVAC equipment.
The original section of the fire hall was constructed in 1956, with additions added on in 1994.
About 30 craft vendors and five food trucks were set up Saturday and visitors enjoyed cooler temperatures — perfect for shopping the various fall wares that included homemade canned goods, smoked cheeses and meats, seasonal wreaths, jewelry, baked desserts and fresh honey.
Food trucks included Caffeinated and Co., Steel City Whip (Dole Whip), PGH Crepes and QT Butt Hut (BBQ).
The event requires about 20 fire company volunteers to run things smoothly, Ogurchock said.
The Householder family of three, of Lower Burrell, attended last year’s fall show and said the crowds were much larger. On Saturday, there were several festivals happening in the Alle-Kiski Valley and a Pitt football game in Pittsburgh, the family said.
The Householders enjoyed a BBQ lunch and ordered a meatball sub for their daughter.
“It’s about supporting our community and supporting the people that support us,” Dwight Householder said.
Katie and Matthew Morrow made it a date day and enjoyed a BBQ lunch from Qt’s Butt Hut food truck.
“We absolutely like to support fire departments,” Matthew Morrow said. “My grandfather was the fire marshal at Wilkins VFD #2.”
Organizers said the events are more than just raising money.
“It’s a community reunion,” Ogurchock said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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