Today, Pearl River County residents have an opportunity to participate in a special event.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Henleyfield Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual Community Appreciation Day at the Henleyfield Community Center on Highway 43 North. It’s a day filled with a number of events, activities, demonstrations and food.

This year the department is holding raffle for a number of interesting prizes. They range from guns, to coolers to cash.

The aim of the raffle is to raise enough money to help the volunteer fire department defray the cost of building a new station on Rock Ranch Road and pay for a new fire truck.

If you’ve never seen firefighters use the Jaws of Life before, it will be a great time to see this special tool being demonstrated.

Another interesting part of the event will entail the presence of the local rescue helicopter. Both of these things are typically only seen during a major accident, so people really don’t get a chance to appreciate how essential they are to saving lives while they are in use.

One of the new things offered at this event will be the firefighter challenges. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter, this event will put your physical ability to the test.

After you work up a sweat in the firefighter challenge, be sure to pick up a free meal of pulled pork or chicken to refuel. The department will accept donations for the meal if you feel so inclined. There will also be a homemade ice cream making contest at 2 p.m.

It’s a worthwhile cause for several reasons, but most of all it will give you a chance to support those men and women who volunteer their time to protect our property and lives.

So, stop on by the Henleyfield Community Center to take part in a fun-filled day. It should be a good time.