For Weldon volunteer fire department members, Saturday's early celebration of Independence Day, will be a chance to raise more money for equipment.

This time the volunteers are trying to raise money for a boat and will be doing so by barbecuing between 450 to 500 chicken halves.

While Chief Rusty Bolt said the department is not trying to become a rescue squad, its two minute response time to the river often means they are the first emergency responders on the scene. A boat would give them the opportunity to put in and possibly save a life.

“It's already happened four times this year,” Bolt said, adding there have been no fatalities. “This happens right often.”

The fire department hopes to buy a Zodiac or other inflatable boat with the funds raised from the chicken sale. “Something we can get two people in, something we can put in without having to use a boat ramp if we get a call.”

This will be the fire department's ninth chicken plate sale, the chief said. Past fundraisers have helped the department buy the two first responder vehicles it uses as well as air pack bottles. “It's helped us buy stuff that's not in the budget.”

The plates are $7 and include string beans, potatoes, bread and a drink. Those with tickets can pick their plates up between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and walk up sales will continue until the fireworks show starts.

Tickets are available at town hall and both fire stations.

The event begins at 5 p.m. at River Falls Park.

Town Zoning Administrator Traci Storey said around 7 p.m. a parachutist will land at the park.

There will be inflatable amusements for children and vendors throughout the park. A special 9-11 memorial truck will on display at the event, Storey said.

Fatback and the Cadillacs will perform beach, country, blues and other music.

The fireworks show will begin at dark.

In Weldon on Friday:

The Roanoke Valley Rocks rockfish unveiling at 6 p.m. and the Friday in the Park event at 6:30 p.m. with the Willie Peebles Band at River Falls Park.