CHOCOWINITY — The next few weeks will be busy ones for the Chocowinity Fire Department and Auxiliary, as members prepare to host several special events.

First up is Saturday’s barbecue fundraiser, according to Tommy Pendley, the department’s fire chief.

“We’ll have barbecue pork and barbecue chicken prepared on site here at the station,” said Pendley, who added that the event is one of the department’s most popular fundraisers. “The money we raise from this every year helps purchase updated equipment, fuel for the truck … whatever it is needed for.”

Plates piled high with pork or chicken, or a combination of the two, go on sale for $7 each beginning at 11 a.m. The meals come with potatoes, coleslaw and hush puppies and can be eaten at the department or packed up and carried home, Pendley said.

Members of the fire department and the auxiliary will begin preparing for the luncheon this afternoon. Cooking is expected to begin this evening and continue throughout the night.

“We’re cooking eight hogs, 10 cases of chicken and about 600 pounds of potatoes,” Pendley said. “We prepare for 1,500 plates.”

A bake sale is planned in conjunction with the barbecue lunch, with dessert choices including homemade cakes and pies, cookies and candy. Anyone wishing to donate baked goods can drop them off at the fire station this evening.

Saturday’s events kick off a schedule of special activities.

On Nov. 23, the fire department will take part in and assist with Chocowinity’s traditional Christmas parade. Also on that day, the department’s auxiliary will host its annual Christmas Expo. That event will feature the work of area artists and craftspeople, who will showcase everything from handmade hair bows, pottery and jewelry to baby blankets and holiday decorations. Over 30 vendors have signed up to participate this year, according to auxiliary president Regina Elks.

“It’s going to be our biggest year ever,” Elks said.

The expo begins at 8 a.m. at the fire department and runs through early afternoon, Elks said.

On Dec. 7 the fire department will host its annual “Toss for Tots” cornhole tournament. The department will also serve as a drop-off site for Toys for Tots that day, according to James Smith, assistant chief.

“Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the team tournament begins at 11 a.m.,” said Smith, who serves as cornhole co-chairman with department captain Brian Lanning. “The cost is $20 and an unwrapped toy per team. There will be a blind draw tournament to follow and it’s $10 per person to play in that.”

Cash prizes for the first and second place teams in each tournament will be awarded.

For more information about the Christmas Expo, including how to secure vendor space, contact Elks at 252-945-06091 or reginaelks@hotmail.com. For further details on the cornhole tournament, call Smith at 252-402-7767 or Lanning at 252-402-6544.