Equipment for firemen is more expensive than many people might think. The Town of McKenzie is working to offset that cost with its 6th annual McKenzie Fest.

According LeAnn Waters, secretary of the volunteer fire department and chairman of the event, one fire suit can cost approximately $11,000.

“(McKenzie Fest) was originally started where the proceeds were going to help get a new fire house and now we have a new firehouse, which the town helped us to get a grant for,” Waters said. “Now it’s basically to buy new fire suits or (equipment) for the fire truck or pay the gas bill and insurance.”

On Saturday, approximately 20 vendors will flood downtown McKenzie between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sell arts, crafts, concessions and wide variety of items, Waters said.

The family-friendly event will include a dunking booth, bounce houses for the kids, a water slide and music.  The Turman Family, New Vision and Night Moves are among the groups that will be performing at the event.

Last year, the event saw approximately 300 people and raised about $2,700. Waters said she hoped to raise that number to $5,000.

There is no admission charge.

“Bring their lawn chairs and prepare to spend the day with us,” Waters said.

For more information, contact McKenzie City Hall at (334) 374-2311 or Waters at (334) 374-0069 or (334) 368-8447.