Kempner Volunteer Fire Department holds barbecue, auction

  • Kempner Volunteer Fire Department firefighters Tracie and Steve Martin serve meals during the department’s annual barbecue and auction fundraiser on Saturday
    Kempner Volunteer Fire Department firefighters Tracie and Steve Martin serve meals during the department’s annual barbecue and auction fundraiser on Saturday
  • Kempner residents Malyssa Allen and her daughter Fionna enjoy dessert at the KVFD fundraiser.
    Kempner residents Malyssa Allen and her daughter Fionna enjoy dessert at the KVFD fundraiser.

Kempner Volunteer Fire Department's main annual fundraiser brought in at least $47,550, Chief Dan Hause said. He added that monetary donations often arrive after the day of the barbecue and auction, meaning that total funds raised are likely to be even higher.  

Saturday's barbecue and action drew an estimated attendance of 400 people. Proceeds will go toward a new fire station, Station No. 3, at the intersection of FM 2313 and CR 3210. The station will allow a faster response on the north and west ends of KVFD's service area. The barbecue and auction dates back to the 1980s. It usually is in March but was postponed this year until April 24.

Last year's event was held shortly before events across the state and nation were canceled due to the coronavirus. This year's event also was postponed because of the virus, but was held in-person successfully on Saturday.

Hause said the more than $47,500 raised this year is the highest amount on record for the department, well above the $28,500 raised last year. The fire chief called it a "wonderful event," and gave a "shoutout to the firefighters, community and local businesses. It wouldn’t have happened without them. 

KVFD provided 47 briskets for the public. About 275 items -- such as firearms, furniture and numerous household items -- were included in the auction.