Although Willowbrook made the headlines this spring for its water woes, the small community near Oliver has much more going on.
On Sat., June 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the community is holding its second annual Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department open house.
“Most people don’t know there is a community here. This year because of the water they finally heard of us. Even people in Oliver don’t know we’re here. We want to change that and have people come out and see our community and support our fire department,” said, Erin Iannella, lieutenant and training officer for the department.
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The day includes a variety of activities from demonstrations, fire truck rides for kids, fire escape planning, planko board, 50/50 raffles, barbecue and a giant swimming pool where people get in plastic balls. There will also be a big silent auction with items including three-day stays, bed and breakfast accommodations, helicopter rides and much more.
“It costs a lot to run these departments and we’re trying to come up with creative ways to raise money to offset some of the equipment costs,” she said.
Currently the department is raising funds to replace their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs). They have four on the truck that all need replacing. Two will be paid for through taxpayer money and the other two will be bought by the volunteer department.
“Everything is expensive. We do what we can to offset those costs by doing things like this,” she said.
Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the event being held at the Willowbrook Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 at 3395 Willowbrook Road, Oliver.
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