The Advance Fire Department Auxiliary held a fundraiser at Zaxby’s restaurant in Advance on Aug. 29.

There were dancing firefighters, a dancing chicken, fire trucks, the AFD smokehouse and the sheriff.

Advance firefighters Dustin Frye and Josh Collins danced the evening away with Little Zack, the Zaxby’s mascot, as they encouraged passing motorists to stop in for dinner at Zaxby’s.

Firefighter Nathan Fuller invited young visitors to explore a fire engine and get their photo with a fire helmet and coat.

Firefighters Shawn Myers, Jessie Frye, Mike Allen, and Assistant Chief Jeff Finney assisted and handled equipment set up and take down.

Sheriff deputy Brad Almond was there to show off his cruiser and pass out stickers with blue lights flashing and as a special treat, Sheriff J.D. Hartman and wife Robin stopped in for dinner and a visit.

Cadet Bradon Finney and Jr. Firefighter Chandler Allen led the way through the smokehouse. They shared fire safety tips as they toured the rooms of the safety house and answered any questions that visitors had.

Auxiliary members greeted guests at the door and visited with dinner guests, assisted with safety, set up, and clean up of the equipment.

“The auxiliary would like to thank the incredible owners, management, and staff of Zaxby’s for hosting this event and also for all of the community who came to support the auxiliary and just to visit and participate in the demonstrations,” said Benita Finney. “All of the Advance personnel were encouraged by the opportunity to spend the evening in the community. Special thanks to Sheriff JD Hartman and his department for their support and participation.

“The very best part of the night was the blessings that we received from the handshakes and hugs from our neighbors, watching the apprehension of a uniform become the acknowledgement of safety, the glowing face of a young boy (or girl) wearing a real fire helmet, and the friendships that we made along the way,” she said.