Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company’s third annual Outdoor Expo was moved inside Saturday because of the weather.

Chris Lilly, organizer of the event, said, “We try to gear everything to outdoor activities. We’ve never had nice weather for the past three years. We also have a silent auction and basket raffle to raise funds for the fire company.”

The main attraction was the silent auction with prizes including a trip to Africa, tickets for overnight stays at Kalahari resort, trips to Camelback Mountain and tickets to local sporting events.

Friends of Beltzville offered information about the park, trails and activities there. Park “passports” were available for $10 where visitors can get a stamp at each of the parks they go to.”

Nonprofit “Sword Tag Society” was selling homemade fudge to raise funds to restore the Normal Square Chapel. Flavors such as peanut butter chocolate and orange creamsicle were described as “axe-ceptionally good.” This group of live action role-play participants also helps the community after storms and works with the Rotary Club.

Fire Captain Eric Lilly said he has been with the fire department for 31 years and “enjoys helping the community and sharing knowledge. His son, 16-year-old Stephen is a junior firefighter and said he “grew up around firefighters and likes being able to help.”

Bronson electric bikes representatives had bikes available for sale.

Dale Ahner played the role of “Sparky,” the firehouse mascot. Ahner has been a firefighter for 45 years. His 12-year-old daughter Addison switched into the Sparky costume throughout the day as she “loves seeing the kids reactions.”

A basket raffle was held to raise funds and prizes included beach towels, massages, lottery tickets and household item baskets. Funnel cakes, sandwiches and other items were available at the firehouse kitchen.

Working in the kitchen, Bob Mertz, a 44-year-veteran of the fire company, said, “Raising funds for the fire company is important. We’re focusing on the driveway and new truck funds.”

A table of literature about outdoor activities was available. Included was information about hunting, fishing, gun safety and wildlife and tree identification.