At a young age, AJ Burton learned how important fire service is in Davie County.

His father, Darrell, is retired from Advance Fire Department and his mother, Angie, was an active auxiliary member for many years and continues to provide crucial behind-the-scenes support.

AJ was taught by example that fire service is crucial and for more than 19 years, he has been serving the people of Advance and surrounding districts as a member of the Advance Fire Department. He also serves as a full-time firefighter in Clemmons.

For the past several months, AJ’s wife, Brittany, who is a former auxiliary member, has been battling with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. She has missed a tremendous amount of work and has spent many months seeking answers.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), also know as pseudotumor cerebri, is a disorder of intracranial pressure. IIH can either be self-limiting or have a life-long chronic course. After seeking a new opinion, Brittany has recently undergone a new treatment that has offered her some relief. But this family of five has spent several months undergoing a tremendous emotional and financial strain.

This Saturday, the Advance Fire Department Auxiliary, along with members from Cornatzer-Dulin, Fork, and other emergency service families, will be hosting the Advance Community Festival with all of the proceeds going to the Burton family.

The event is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will include craft and consultant vendors, pony cart rides by Rocking B Farms, a bounce house, demonstrations, the True Hart Farms petting zoo, food, the AFD smokehouse, silent auction items, and more.

The festival will be held at the old Advance Fire Department at 169 Fire Station Road. Parking is available at the Advance United Methodist Church.

For event questions or information on participating, contact Benita Finney 336-671-0343.