The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department is hosting its annual Fire Safety Fair on August 22 at the Kirkwood Adams Community Center on Hamilton Street.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Summer of Music series, Chief Jason Patrick said.

In addition to music, the fair will be an opportunity for accompanied children to get one of 100 bookbags packed with school supplies.

The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Patrick said the summer weather played a factor in moving the fair to Kirkwood. “It can be extremely hot or there can be afternoon storms. We felt like if we carried it back to Kirkwood it takes a little stress off of everybody from figuring out what we’re going to do if it pours down rain or if it’s extremely hot.”

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department will be holding a bike rodeo. Patrick said he requested the bike rodeo trailer from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. “They’ll be working with the kids on the bike, showing them what to check before they ride, making sure the bikes and helmets fit.”

The officers will also show them the rules of the road while riding.

Wally the Wacky Waiter will be at the fair to entertain attendees, there’ll be information booths from different organizations, and the fire safety house will be on the grounds. The department’s trucks will also be on display.

“It’s really to give back to the community,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Kenneth Hollowell. “It’s also to put out a safety message because each bookbag is going to have safety material inside.”

Patrick said the event lets the community see some of the things firefighters do and see its equipment. “It helps get our safety message out.”