COLUMBUS The smell of food was in the air last Sun day as the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual Fish and Oyster Fry at the KC Hall in Columbus. Hundreds of cars lined up for the drive-through service, and just as many parked in the parking lot and lined the streets to get meals.
The fried fish and/or oyster plates included heaps of french fries and coleslaw. Retired fire man Ed Halcom said, 'This is our biggest event of the year. Donations and this Fry pay for the equipment, apparatus, tools, clothing, or whatever we need.'
The event is always the last Sun day in February, and this year the crowds did not disappoint. Halcom said they usually sell between 1,500 to 1,600 plates.
All get involved in the event. Even retired Chief Bob Wal- la, retired fireman Gene Scho -
bel, and retired fireman Rudy Schmidt sold tickets inside
where hundreds sat at long ta- bles and ate together. Some also participated in the CVFD Buck-
et Brigade Sweepstakes.
The Texas ChalleNGe Acade my cadets also assisted with the event. The group of 14, passed out food to the passing cars and helped however they could. The cadets were from the Echo platoon and this event was a part of the service to the community. Each cadet needs a minimum of 40 hours of community service, and this was a perfect way to give back.
Alex Pinchback, the deputy commandant with the Texas ChalleNGe Academy, said that the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department is always good about reaching out to them for help. Texas ChalleNGe Acad - emy is a five and a half month, quasi-military residential academy sponsored by the Texas Na- tional Guard.
They are a tuition-free educational program for 16-18-yearold teens who are disengaged in school.
The academy offers academic instruction and provides structure, and discipline to help the cadets develop personal accountability and become successful adults.
For more information on the Texas ChalleNGe Academy, vis - it the website at TMD.Texas.gov/ texas-challenge-academy. They are now accepting applications for the July 2023 class.
The Fish and Oyster Fry really felt like a family affair as the whole community seemed to come out to eat good food, be together, and support the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department.
