The Shepherdstown Fire Department will host a one day festival July 17 at the fire department, 8052 Martinsburg Pike. This festival, in its third year, is an important fundraising event for the volunteer company.

The one-day festival replaced a week-long event several years ago as the department members ceased to bring the carnival to town. Weather conditions and other factors helped make the decision of going to a one-day event easier.

The traditional bake auction many in the community look forward to each year is the focal point of Friday’s schedule. According to Dennis Barron, longtime fire department member, the auction has been held for at least 25 years,

According to Marshall DeMerritt, there are a few cakes that go for high dollars.

“Craig Simpsons mom’s cake is always a top seller, Sarah Morgans cake gets into the $500 range and Mrs. Locke’s cakes will always bring in some high dollars.”

He went on to say, “Last year we had a cake baked by a group of “kids of members” that sold at auction for over $300.”

The festival begins at 5 p.m. Friday and will include, in addition to the baked goods auction, a silent auction and other activities.

Please note that bingo will not be played during the festival; however, there is a special cash bingo scheduled for the next day on July 18.

DeMerritt shared that the company’s membership just approved the purchase of two new ambulances to replace the old, worn units. The cost of these necessary upgrades comes in around $500,000.

“This will put us in the most debt we’ve been in in over 25 years,” DeMerritt shared. However, for the safety of Shepherdstown residents and others served by the department, the indebtedness was decided to be necessary.

The community is encouraged to come out Friday evening and bid high on the baked goods as well as offer bids on silent auction items. Anyone wishing to donate to either the bake or silent auction should contact the department immediately to make arrangements. The more items to auction the more funds will be raised.