By Stephen Smoot
“You can’t fill Nila’s shoes, but people have filled the gaps.”
Jeff Bowers, South Fork Volunteer Fire Department president, proudly described the effort put in by auxiliary and firefighter volunteers to once again bring the department’s summer lawn party to life. For decades until this year, the department relied on “the general” Nila Bland to organize and execute efforts to put the massive undertaking together.
Bowers praised the teamwork shown by the auxiliary and firefighters working together as they took on the monumental task of throwing a huge community bash.
The efforts paid off as attendees arrived at the Brandywine station in the hundreds. Friday night welcomed fun seekers from babies to seniors. Clear blue skies, sun, and moderate temperatures embraced the event.
Bowers also expressed appreciation for the community’s response and support all year long. Although the lawn party is “our main fundraiser,” the community also supports the department through porchlight, letter, and other drives to raise money for equipment, training, and various crucial expenses.
“We don’t take it for granted,” Bowers said, adding that “we appreciate the support and give the service back to them.”
When it comes to supporting local fire departments, lawn parties, car shows, and other fun filled events are a win-win. They bring joy and family fun to communities while helping those who help the county.
As a live musician sang Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times,” and other traditional country favorites, small children chased each other in circles playing tag. Teenagers gathered in groups and walked together as they do. Older folks sat in the shelters eating freshly cooked food and reminiscing.
One of the hidden benefits of the lawn party lies in something generally seen as an inconvenience. With no cellular phone service in that end of the county, no faces were buried in phones.
That food featured an offering of homemade desserts that included 15 pies and 20 cakes, as well as seven different flavors of ice cream. Children could play on a bouncy house and compete in different games, such as pitching coins into a tower of glasses.
As Bowers explained, the lawn party does more than simply give residents something to do on a summer weekend. “It’s an annual event for people to come back and see family and friends.” Many plan their summer trips around the lawn party as a return to their community and family roots. “Maybe more than other events,” Bowers said.
