Ainsworth fire Dept. holding new fundraiser this weekend

AINSWORTH — Volunteer firefighters and community members will embark on a trip to several area establishments Saturday, Oct. 21, in a new fundraiser for the department. The event involves driving (in any street-legal vehicle participants bring) the route between Eagles Nest, CaMander’s, Wagon Wheel, the VFW, and Leroy Brown’s.

Fire Chief Waylon Schultz said the event was a first for the Ainsworth Fire Department, but was inspired by similar fundraisers elsewhere in Eastern Iowa.

“It’s a different way to raise funds, other than our typical pancakes and soup suppers and stuff like that,” he said. “It’s something to mix it up and get people interested and excited. It’ll bring some money into Ainsworth too, as people stop at the gas station to fill up their vehicles, and in other towns as well.”

Schultz said several had already registered for the ride-along ahead of time.

“There’s been a lot of chatter, and a lot of messages saying people are coming and things like that,” Schultz said. “We’re hoping for a great turnout.”

The Hawkeye game will be on at the station at the end of the trip around 2:30 p.m., where volunteers will also offer a meal for freewill donations.

On-site registration starts at 9 a.m. at the fire station Saturday, before the convoy leaves at 10 a.m. The Ainsworth Community Center has been designated as an unload area. Tickets cost $15 and cover a poker run hand and a raffle ticket.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com