BY SHERI TRUSTY

When Port Clinton Fire Chief Kent Johnson was a kid, he would attend Feather Parties at the fire station with his family. Live turkeys, chickens and ducks bawked and squawked in the background as people vied for chances to win them.

“For an additional cost, they’d whack it for you,” Johnson said. “We used to have quite a few feathers flying around.”

Today’s Feather Parties are a lot tamer. The turkeys, hams and other meats are processed, dressed and ready for the refrigerator, and the only feathers in the room are the proverbial feathers in the winners’ caps.

But the concept is the same. People come to have fun, win prizes, and financially support Port Clinton Fire & Rescue.

“It’s our largest fundraiser of the year,” Johnson said. “You buy a ticket at the table for a dollar, we spin the wheel, and if your number comes up, you win.”

The Port Clinton Fire Fighters Association will host its annual Feather Party on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Port Clinton Fire Station at 1755 E. State St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first spin is at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

“We have the biggest, most fun Feather Party in the county,” Johnson said.

Money raised at the annual Feather Party is vital to the fire department.

“We don’t draw from the city’s general fund,” Johnson said. “The Port Clinton Fire Fighters Association is a (non-profit), and all the money we collect goes to the fire department for equipment and training.”

The Feather Party will include food, a bake sale, and raffles. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any firefighter prior to the event at the cost of $1 each or 6 for $5. College football will be broadcast on TV during the event.

“It’s open to the public and family-oriented. Kids are welcome,” Johnson said. “We don’t permit alcohol.”

The fire station is handicap accessible and there is ample parking and seating.

“Come relax and have fun — and bring lots of money,” Johnson said.