Fire & Smoke II right around the corner

An event aimed at bringing older vehicles out is slated for June 8 looks to bring the community together for the FIllmore Community Volunteer Fire Department. 

Fire & Smoke II will be held at the Fillmore Christian Church, 102 N. Main Street, Fillmore, and will feature a car show, scavenger hunt and a 50/50 drawing. 

Event organizer Charles Martin said he attempted to have a car show for several years and last year the event took off.

"I was planning on 20-30 cars, got flyers lined up and had cars coming in at 6:40 a.m. last year for a 9 a.m. registration. We were able to raise almost $1,400 after expenses," Martin told The Putnam County Post. 

Martin, who admits he has worked on older cars all his life and is a third generation firefighter, notes he got started earlier on this year's event and is looking forward to it. He said the scavenger hunt will be for the children and there are prizes for participants. 

"We've had antique or hot rod fire trucks that came last year. I have a love of cars and fire trucks. With the responses, I plan for 100 and if it keeps going, I plan on bringing 50 new vehicles each year. We had some tractors in last year and it was fun," Martin said. 

As a fundraiser, Martin said funds raised will go towards a washer and dryer for the fire station. 

The event features a pre-registration deadline of May 31 for $20, which includes lunch. The day of the event, registration increases to $25. There will be awards for Legacy, People's Choice, Kids Choice and Top 20 plaques. 

For more information, contact Martin at 765-721-1664 or email charlie117@tds.net.