The Highland Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) hosted its seventh annual Fireworks in the Park in Mitchellville on July 13. The event is much more than fireworks – it’s a fun day for all ages that begins at 4 p.m.

The kids enjoyed three hours of fun on the bounce houses and were sprayed with water from a fire hose by the HVFD to cool them down. Music was provided by SkipRich, Highland County and Conspiracy Theory from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when the fireworks began.

There were several food vendors throughout the event offering a wide variety of food choices including Brucey’s BBQ, Lady Dawgs (hot dogs), The Stand (lemonade, milkshakes and coffee), Black Sheep Shaved Ice, Big Poppa Corn (popcorn), Kenna’s Kones (cotton candy) and The Pink Truck (ice cream).

“This was our seventh annual Music and Fireworks in the Park event. When we took over fire protection for the City of Mitchellville, they asked us if we would be willing to host events in the park, so we started with the music and fireworks,” said Assistant Fire Chief Tav Matthews. “Every year, local businesses and individuals sponsor this event, so it doesn’t put a strain on our regular operating budget. Every year we try to make the event bigger and better, and this year was the best show yet.”

“This event is important to us for a number of reasons. One is that it’s another way to give back to the community. Two is that it’s a great PR and fundraiser for us. But overall, we’re just happy to interact with, educate and do something for our community.”

HVFD is one of nine volunteer departments that serve the unincorporated areas of Sumner County. They receive funding from the county government but rely on donations to continue providing fire protection in Sumner County. All donations to HVFD are welcome and appreciated.