ENGELHARD — Residents came out to skeet shoot, shuck oysters, and most importantly, support their first responders last Saturday.

The event was part of the inaugural Skeet Shoot and Oyster Roast, sponsored by Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department. About $1,200 was raised to benefit the fire department.

Saturday kicked off with the Skeet Shoot, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. across from Martelle’s Feedhouse, off of U.S. Highway 264 in Engelhard. Participants paid $25 for entry and a box of shells, and were asked to bring their own shotgun. Lunch was also provided.

Later at 6 p.m., residents were invited to an oyster roast at the fire department. The oyster roast cost $35 to attend, and clam chowder was also available for $5.

“We ended up with 54 people that showed up or participated,” Assistant Chief Johnny Gibbs said. “We had a really good turnout. Everybody really enjoyed it.”

Gibbs said fundraisers are vital to the department, and the money raised will go toward updating worn-out equipment and building maintenance.

When organizers began planning, the original thought was to attract duck hunters, and the skeet shoot did turn out to be the main attraction of the day, according to Gibbs.

“We were just trying to do an all-day event,” he said.

Adam Jones was announced as the winner of the skeet shoot, according to Engelhard VFD’s Facebook page.

“Special thanks to Brian, Brandon and Martelle Marshall, Engelhard Medical Center, Gibbs Store (Charles Gibbs), Allen Bliven Calls, Mattamuskeet Waterfowl Association, Mattamuskeet Seafood (Cory Carawan), Mac Gibbs, Dawson Pugh, Jay Etheridge, Josh Latham, Gregory Berry and Allen Berry,” the page reads. “Support from our community is vital to our success!”

According to the latest data, Engelhard VFD responded to 244 calls in 2016, 177 of which were EMS-related emergencies.

“(Fundraising) helps us a big amount, especially here in Engelhard. You can’t do but so many different fundraisers, especially in a small town like we are,” Gibbs said. “I believe we’re going to try to do it again in September or in the fall.”