Despite some decidedly un-spring-like weather, the Franklin Township Fire Company held its first-ever Outdoor Adventure Day Sunday at the fire company on Fairyland Road.

“The idea for this started as a Hunters Day,” Chris Lilly, president of the Franklin Township Fire Company Auxiliary, explained. “We do have a Hunters Day in October, so we thought we would do something a little different to get people involved with the outdoors for the spring. We got a lot of nice sponsors and donations.”

Some of the attendees included the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, Jim Thorpe; Blocker Enterprises, Lehighton; Bronson Ebikes & Trikes, Allentown; the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission; Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Jim Thorpe; and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. DJ Uncle Monroe Berger was on hand with entertainment and announcements.

There was a silent auction, a basket auction, a children’s raffle, and door prizes. There were crafts and events for the kids including building bird feeders, escaping the “house on fire,” raffles, contests, competitions and more. The kitchen was open, selling hot dogs, fish sandwiches, chicken fingers, filling and gravy, chicken potpie, french fries, pierogies, and more, plus stands were selling funnel cake, ice cream, and s’mores.

“The main purpose for this is to raise funds for the fire company,” Lilly said. “We will be putting a new coating of stucco on the outside of the building, plus we will need a new firetruck shortly. Most of the funds we raise are going toward the new truck.”

The Lehigh Valley Health Network’s medevac helicopter had been scheduled, but had to cancel due to an emergency needing their help.

Upcoming events at Franklin Fire Co. include: Sales of Easter Filling (orders due April 12), Pizza Sale (orders due April 15), High-stakes Bingo (April 23), Country Dance (April 30). Info: 610-377-2144, email: firefranklin4@gmail.com.