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By Danielle Morin
Star Correspondent
With Independence Day right around the corner, local volunteer fire departments are helping residents stock up on fireworks for the celebratory day as part of a fundraiser to help keep the stations operable in what Roan Mountain’s Lieutenant Dylan Markland described as their “biggest fundraiser of the year.”
“Every bit of the proceeds of that fundraiser goes one hundred percent back into our department to buy equipment, turn out gear, truck maintenance, building maintenance, so on and so forth,” Markland explained, further adding the importance of the funding and what it means for both the departments and community members, “I don’t think most people realize that the biggest percentage of all departments in the United States are volunteer departments. And if you didn’t have the few men and women within the community that would step up and run calls and be there for the community, there would be no one in case of emergency, fire, or car wreck.”
The fireworks, which went on sale on June 20, will continue to be sold until July 5 while supplies last. Other participating stations include Watauga, Hampton-Valley Forge, and Elk Mills-Poga Volunteer Departments. Residents can purchase fireworks by visiting any of the four locations. Hours vary by location. Residents can call the station or visit its Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.