SULPHUR SPRINGS, OHIO (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — In just a little bit, while driving east on State Route 98, the streets of Sulphur Springs will be buzzing as hundreds of people gather for the 40th annual Liberty Township Firemen’s Festival.

Known for its excellent food, camaraderie, and service, the festival promises to be another fun weekend for all in attendance.

“It’s about the community. It’s about the food. It’s about the people we serve and the people who come to visit with people who maybe they haven’t seen or talked to in a year,” Fire Chief of 20 years, Rick Harley, said.

The menu features their famous shredded beef and pork, Carle’s bratwurst, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pickled beets and eggs, jalapeno eggs, macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, applesauce, Troyer’s pies, Mark’s ice cream, coffee, tea, water, and pop.

Both nights will feature the beer garden, with musical entertainment provided by One Foot in the Grave on Friday at 8 p.m., and Matthew Cotter Music on Saturday at 9 p.m.

Department members include: Chief Rick Harley; Assistant Chief Chad Wagner; Capt. Eric Foght; Capt. Neil Metzger; Phil Feik, FF; Bob Geiger, FF; Jamie Sherk, FF; Chris Eicher, FF/EMT-B; Ben Lucius, FF; Doug Cramer, FF; Ned Lucius, FF; Luke Cramer, FF; Doug Manring, FF/EMT-P; Misty Bauer, FF/EMT-B; Jon Wilson; Matt Starr, FF; Josh Gwirtz, FF; Nicholas Jeffrey, FF; Dakota Blankenship, FF; Josh Smith, FF; and Mara Morris, EMT-B.

“This group of guys, they’re unique. They’re extraordinary. We show up when we need to, and we have each other’s backs, and we get the job done,” Harley said. “I’m not one for the brotherhood or things like that, but this is like a family. They are good guys who will show up to help when the call goes out. We work together to get the job done, and help the community out when we’re needed.”

The festival and its success wouldn’t be possible without the firemen, those who volunteer to help serve, and Tonya Geiger, who Harley says doesn’t get enough credit for the work she does: lining up workers, ordering all the food and things needed for the weekend, keeping numbers each year on everything, and running the kitchen a few days prior and both nights of the festival.

“She is, I think, the best word I can come up with is very, very instrumental in the operation of this festival,” Harley said. “She does a hell of a job. Since she’s taken over, it has run so smoothly. I don’t know many people who would want to step up and do what she does for us.”

Serving begins at 4:30 both nights, and this year they will be accepting credit cards at the food line only. However, a convenience fee will apply due to fees being charged to the department for the credit card reader.

Aside from the good food and the band, there will be a gun raffle featuring a Mossberg 500 Combo 12 ga, a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II, a Savage Axis 350 Legend with a scope, a 10/22 with a scope, and a Glock 43 9mm. Tickets are five dollars. You do not need to be present to win; guns just need to be picked up from Baker Brothers on S. Walnut Street within 60 days. You must be 18 to claim long guns and 21 to claim handguns. The drawing will be held Saturday night.

Money raised from the festival helps the department go above and beyond what the tax base brings in, allowing the department to purchase necessary fire equipment to help better serve the community on the days when they’re needed.

“Without our supporters, we would be nowhere,” Harley said. “It’s a testament to the community that the festival is as successful as it is. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”