Dear OUR CITY Plantation Readers,
I am excited to share with you the details of a long-standing tradition in the City of Plantation Fire Department—the 65th Annual Volunteer Firefighter BBQ. This cherished event dates back to the early days of the Plantation Volunteer Fire Department, originally established to raise awareness and funds for our dedicated team. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved community gathering where we showcase our highly trained volunteer firefighters and their equipment.
The event kicks off early in the morning with our firefighters firing up the grills to slow-cook slabs of ribs and quartered chickens. The BBQ sauce, famously crafted by our former Mayor, Frank Veltri, has been a hallmark of this tradition. Mayor Veltri carefully guarded his sauce recipe, passing it on to Barry and me as he aged. Though the Mayor passed away in 2006, Barry and I have continued to uphold this tradition, ensuring the event remains as special as ever.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we took a brief hiatus but were thrilled to bring the BBQ back in 2023. Last year, we introduced some exciting changes, including a switch to slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches, seasoned with a secret spice rub and cooked in a custom smoker trailer provided by Cheney Brothers. Our rescue division also contributes delectable slow-cooked corn on the cob with a variety of toppings.
This year, we are adding a country twist to celebrate our community’s agricultural and ranching roots. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including a live band, bounce houses for the kids, a petting zoo, and live fire demonstrations by our volunteer firefighters. We are also providing local vendors with an opportunity to showcase their goods and services in our vendor area.
The 65th Annual Volunteer Firefighter BBQ is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and family fun. We invite you to join us in making this year’s event a memorable one. Sunday November 3rd, 2024, from 12-5pm at Pine Island Park (Soccer). 8200 S.W. 3rd Street, Plantation, Fl.
Sincerely,
Mark Watters
President Plantation Volunteer Fire Association
City of Plantation Fire Department