Onalaska Volunteer Firefighters Association to raise money for new gas detectors at annual car show in August

Following the success of the second annual Onalaska Volunteer Firefighters Association car show last year, members are preparing for the third annual car show, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, with gates opening at 7 a.m. at the Lewis County Fire District 1’s fire house.

The fire house is located at 1733 state Route 508 in Onalaska.

In 2023, the association raised nearly $10,000 before the show had even ended.

The money went to purchase equipment to wash and dry the specialized clothing worn by Lewis County Fire District 1’s firefighters, along with helping fund the association’s scholarships for Onalaska High School seniors and feeding local families during Christmastime.

Fire district volunteer firefighter Oliver Jackson contacted The Chronicle to explain what this year’s car show will be raising money for.

“We need three new gas detectors, and they run around $1,500 each,” Jackson said.

Any additional funds will once again go to help fund scholarships for local high school students and feeding families during the holidays.

Along with raising money with the entry fee, the association will also be cooking and selling breakfast and lunch, with breakfast starting at 7 a.m. when the gates open and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. and featuring pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw or chips.

Local craft vendors will also be on hand, a 50/50 raffle will be held and some lucky winners will get T-shirt door prizes. The award ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Participants must be present to receive a trophy.

Along with the classic cars, trucks and motorcycles that will once again be on display, classic fire trucks will be featured along with the association’s giant American flag.

“We’re very proud Americans here, and we will be flying our giant flag again and have a couple of other ladder trucks,” Jackson added.

Advanced registration for the third annual Onalaska Volunteer Firefighters Association car show ends Aug. 5. To find out how to register and for more information, email onycarshow22@gmail.com or message the association on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OVFALC .