Eleven-year-old Angelyna Fisher had every reason to be nervous.

For starters, she was the only girl in the lineup for the Cornfield Classic Coaster Race at Mahoning Volunteer Fire Company. And seeing as she came in first place in the same event last year, Fisher had a title to defend.

But on Saturday afternoon, just before her cherry red coaster car sped down the ramp and onto the pavement, Fisher was collected. She’s been racing for four years, and her grandfather, Barry, used to compete at Mahoning Raceway.

“It’s fun,” Fisher said, “and I’m competitive.”

When Fisher finally took off down Mahoning Drive, she kept her car steady. It was a straight shot to the finish line and first place. Her competitor, Makih Breiner, 11, trailed just a few feet behind her.

“I got to beat all the boys,” Fisher said after crossing the finish line.

The coaster race wasn’t the only exciting happening to take place at the fire company last weekend. There were also games, bounce houses and a basket raffle, and it was all part of Mahoning Fire’s annual community celebration.

The event can be traced back to the 70s and 80s, according to Jay Michalik, assistant chief, when the fire company out on community picnics.

It stopped hosting the picnic due to a decline in volunteers, Fire Company President Bryan Pollock said. But when the company purchased a new vehicle a few years ago, it decided to pick the tradition back up.

“We’ve been doing it for four years, and I haven’t heard one bad thing,” Pollock said.

The fire company, like most volunteer fire forces statewide, still struggles when it comes to membership, Pollock said. But the volunteers it does have, he added, are dedicated.So dedicated, in fact, they spent three months planning this year’s celebration. And to Pollock, it was well worth the effort.

The company’s first ever firetruck, purchased when it was incorporated in 1951, was on display.

Under the cover of the firehouse, families shared a meal and placed bets in the basket raffle. Just outside of it, children shot darts, threw footballs and tossed rings. They jumped in bouncy castles and dominated firefighter training simulations set up by company members themselves.

“I love walking around and seeing smiles on everyone’s’ faces,” Pollock said. “You never know, one of these kids could be a future firefighter.”