Barry Fire Department to host "Rocking for Rescue"

On Saturday, August 19, the Barry Fire Department will host Rocking for Rescue. A fundraiser targeted both kids and adults in the area, with all proceeds going towards much needed rescue equipment. The idea is one that has been mulled over in the past but is finally being put in motion.

“We were looking for a second fundraiser, something that would draw the community in. We knew live music would get the community involved. The main goal was an event that would target everybody,” Andrew Conley said, a first-year firefighter, and one of the people spearheading this event.

In the past, the Barry Fire Department has hosted two fundraisers each year. That being the annual Chicken Fry, held on the last Saturday, every July. The second was a golf outing at the Bow Lake Golf Course.

However, with that no longer being possible, new decisions had to be made.

“When the Bow Lake Golf Course closed, we lost our normal second fundraiser. We wanted something we could do annually, and this came to mind,” Conley explained.

For musical entertainment, the Barry Fire Department was able to secure a top-notch lineup. The bands performing feature all different styles of music, something for everyone.

Six different bands will take the stage during the August 19 fundraiser. Those include Rebel Kane, Serena & The Struby Doo’s, Side Effects, Smudge, Broken String, and Antidote.

“We were thinking about entertainment wanted to keep it local. Bands that are tied to Barry in some way or another. Really something local so everybody knows what’s going on,” Andrew Conley said.

And while the event is to raise money for the fire department, that doesn’t mean the firefighters won’t be there as well, having a great time. You can expect just about all of the Barry Fire Department to be there, Rocking for Rescue, themselves.

Conley himself is eager for the event date to get here, having had it on his mind since the idea was brought forth.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together. Just everybody showing up, kicking back, and relaxing.”

The event is bound to be one to remember. With a performing lineup like this one, it should be a fast-paced up-tempo night that everyone will enjoy.

“Well, you can expect live music, cold beer, and a good time,” Conley remarked, while laughing.

The event will be held at the Apple Basket, located just north of Barry. Gates will open at 4pm and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

A $10 cover charge is the cost of admission, or you can buy a ticket in advance. Drinks will be served courtesy of Tiny’s Place. All ages are welcome to attend.

To buy your ticket for Rocking for Rescue, call or text Andrew Conley at 217-506-2929.

The fundraiser will be held August 19 at the Barry Apple Basket, all ages are welcome.

The businesses that have lined up to sponsor the event include Niebur Funeral Home, Scotties Potties, Pharmacy Plus, Schmidt Tent Rentals, Misha Ehlert & PCRE Real Estate, Bob and Joan Dieker, Apple Basket Farms, and J&J Disposal.