Livonia VFD to Host Annual Fish Fry and Cruise-In Oct. 3
For more than 50 years, neighbors in and around Livonia have marked the calendar for one of Washington County’s longest-running volunteer fire department fundraisers.
This year’s Livonia Volunteer Fire Rescue Annual Fish Fry is set for Saturday, October 3, beginning at 5:00 pm at 383 E Main St / Highway 56 in Campbellsburg (the former Dutch Barn in Livonia). Alongside the meal, the department will host an LVFD Cruise-in, with classic, muscle, and antique vehicles welcome. No registration is required.
LVFD says the evening will entail food, cars, opportunities to fraternize with local firefighters, and a fireworks show to close out the night.
Livonia Volunteer Firefighter Darren Byler said the fish fry remains the department’s one major annual fundraiser, and it is a tradition that now spans generations.
“This is our one and only major annual fundraiser, and it’s a proud tradition that has been bringing our area together for over 50 years,” Byler said. “For many of our members, this event is generational. We have firefighters cooking fish today whose parents and grandparents used to run the fryers. It has truly become a staple of the year that neighbors look forward to every single season.”
Livonia Fire Rescue is a volunteer department serving areas of our community. Like many rural volunteer departments, it operates on a tight budget and uses fundraising to cover operational costs. Byler said proceeds from the fish fry go toward turnout gear, rescue equipment, apparatus maintenance, and specialized training.
“For a volunteer fire rescue like ours, community support isn’t just appreciated. It is quite literally our lifeline,” he said. “When our neighbors come out to enjoy a meal, they are directly investing in their own safety and ensuring that when an emergency happens at 2:00 am, a well-equipped, highly-trained response team is ready to answer the call.”
All dinners include a drink, bottomless sides of fries, baked beans, and slaw, and one dessert.
Menu and prices:
Adult all-you-can-eat fish dinner: $15
Kids ages 7–13 fish dinner: $8
Kids ages 6 and under: free
Double cheeseburger dinner: $15
Single cheeseburger dinner: $12
Kids ages 13 and under cheeseburger dinner: $8
Hamburgers are also available upon request.
The cruise-in is open to classic, muscle, antique, hot rod, and any other favorite vehicles you would like to show off. Byler also said he hopes the car show gives families another reason to spend the evening together.
“It’s a great attraction for the whole family, and there’s no registration required. Just bring out your classic, hot rod, or modern favorite, park, and enjoy the day with fellow enthusiasts and neighbors,” he said.
Byler also used the event as a reminder of how volunteer fire and rescue work actually functions in a rural community. He added that calls do not usually come in during opportune times.
“Every single call we run is answered by dedicated men and women who step away from their family dinners, wake up in the middle of the night, or sacrifice their personal time. All without asking for a dime in return,” he said. “That level of dedication comes straight from a deep love for this community and a desire to help neighbors on what is often the worst day of their lives.”
He added that the department is also looking for new members. No prior experience is required.
“Serving as a volunteer firefighter or responder is one of the most rewarding ways you can possibly make a positive impact locally,” Byler said. “It builds incredible lifelong bonds, teaches valuable skills, and gives you the unmatched feeling of knowing you made a real difference when someone needed it most. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, we would love to have you on the team.”
Beyond the money raised, Byler said the fish fry and cruise-in give firefighters the unusual chance to see neighbors in a relaxed setting rather than at the scene of an emergency.
“Firefighters usually meet people during high-stress emergencies, so this fish fry and car show give us a wonderful chance to connect with everyone in a happy, relaxed setting,” he said. “We can’t wait to see everyone come out for some great food, awesome cars, warm fellowship, and a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night.”
The Livonia Volunteer Fire Rescue Annual Fish Fry and LVFD Cruise-in will be held Saturday, October 3, at 5:00 pm at 383 E Main St / Highway 56, Campbellsburg.
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