When Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Company acquired a new engine in 2012, it decided to christen the vehicle with a dedication.

But a simple ceremony wasn’t enough. Instead, the company took some inspiration from its past, Jay Michalik, assistant chief, said.

In the ’70s and ’80s, the Mahoning Valley company put on community picnics, featuring food, games and plenty of fellowship. More than 30 years later, volunteers found the stands and games used at the picnics. They dusted off and repainted the equipment, bringing it to life once again for the dedication.

That sparked a new practice for the company; it has put on a similar event every year since.

On Saturday, the company plans to keep with tradition. At noon, the Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Company’s annual community celebration will officially kick off. It will run till dusk.

There will be games, food, a basket raffle, bounce houses and even coaster racing. The event takes place at the firehouse, located at 2358 Mahoning Drive West.

All proceeds raised will go toward supporting the firehouse, all while celebrating “who we are as a community,” Michalik said.

“The Mahoning Valley’s a beautiful place to live,” Michalik said, “and part of our responsibility as a fire company and a group of volunteers for this community is to provide an avenue like this where we can all get together, socialize and have fellowship.”