Vintage cars shine in the evening sunlight along the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department on Friday night. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — In spite of the impending stormy weather, community members came out in droves on Friday night, to participate in the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Friday Festival fundraiser.

The festival remains one of the top fundraisers for the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD), with a variety of events, including a vintage car cruise-in, baked goods auction, silent auction and dinner.

“The funds will go directly to address the needs of the fire department, providing for equipment and fire trucks, things like that,” said cruise-in organizer Aaron Raines. “Last year, we had about 120 cars in the cruise-in, but since it’s supposed to rain today, there won’t be quite as many.”

Inside of the fire hall, Friday Festival attendees took their time browsing through and bidding on 35 different silent auction items, including a wine and cheese board gift basket donated by Timothy and Didi Jacot.

“We like to support the fire department,” Didi said. “They’re putting their lives on the line!”

Nibert Realty & Auctions, LLC Founder Densil Nibert opens the bidding on dozens of donated baked goods at the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department's annual Friday Festival last week. Tabitha Johnston

The reality of the fire department’s demanding work could easily be seen throughout the festival, as fire engines had to be deployed at both the beginning and end of the night.

“The turnout looks better than it has been in recent years, but a lot of the firemen are at a fire call in Charles Town right now,” said Sarah Morgan, mentioning her husband, Fire Chief Ross Morgan, and son, Zac Morgan, were both on that call.

As the evening progressed and attendees finished enjoying their chicken barbecue dinners, hot dogs, steamers, country ham sandwiches, Mexican sandwiches and French fries, Nibert Realty & Auctions, LLC Founder Densil Nibert took the microphone to begin the bidding in the festival’s highly popular baked good auction. Baked goods in the sale included pineapple upside down cakes, apple pies, carrot cake loafs, German chocolate cakes, chocolate fudge, cupcakes and chocolate pies.

“The auction this evening is for a wonderful cause. I always enjoy coming over and doing the sale,” Nibert, who has conducted the auction for over a dozen years, said. “I look forward to it every year!”

A total of 87 items, donated by community members, were auctioned off, bringing in a whopping $6,750.

Community members check out the vintage cars on the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department lawn last Friday evening. Tabitha Johnston

“Michael used to be a junior firefighter over here,” said Charles Town resident Donna Ring, of her son, as he enjoyed a country ham sandwich. “He’s bought things from the auction in previous years, and will probably be buying something again tonight under his company, R&M Farming. He just wanted to donate, to give back to them, after all they gave to him when he was here.”

From right, Charles Town resident Donna Ring and her daughter, Makenzie Ring, laugh together with Shepherdstown resident Sarah Morgan, as Donna's grandson, Thomas, and son, Michael, enjoy their meals at the Friday Festival last week. Tabitha Johnston

Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department volunteers manage the silent auction ticketing table at the Friday Festival last week. Tabitha Johnston