The Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company held its 43rd Annual Block Party on Friday and Saturday at the fire house on Fairyland Road, and got to show off their newly-paved parking lot.

“We have more things for people this year,” Chris Lilly, president of the fire company auxiliary, said. “We have more games, a bounce house, food trucks and stands, and more. We are trying go build it up to more of a community event. It’s something fun that makes people happy.”

There was plenty of food. The fire company held a seafood dinner on Friday night, plus the kitchen was also selling crowd favorites like barbecues, filling, steak sandwiches, and chicken fingers, plus hamburgers and cheeseburgers on the grill outside. More food was available from Pocono Potato Chip Company, Jenny’s Sweets & More, and Hoff’s Kettle Corn & Pork Rinds.

Entertainment included the Steel Creek Band on Friday and Mystery City Band on Saturday. There was the tractor pull Saturday, and local favorite Buster the Clown made the rounds. There were several raffles, a large basket auction, and a bake sale. Pyro Joe wowed the crowds with a fireworks display on Saturday.

Proceeds benefited the projects of Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company. The next big purchase will be a new fire truck. The officers and members are still working out the details on what they want on it. Franklin Township Fire Company continues to hold fundraising activities.

“We have different things going on that keep us busy and bring in money for the fire company,” Lilly explained.

Some of the upcoming fire company events:

• Weekly Thursday night Bingo: doors open at 4:30 p.m., sales begin at 5 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m.

• Elvis Tribute & Oldies Show, featuring Jeff Krick & Jeff Krick Jr.: Aug. 2, doors open at 4 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m., cash kitchen and cash bar. Tickets $20, 570-401-4454.

• Giant yard sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 17, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Accepting donations of clothing, furniture, toys, books, jewelry, bedding and more. Drop off from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 and 8; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug 10; and 6 to 8 p.m. Aug 13.

• High Stakes Bingo: Sept. 21, doors open at noon, games begin at 2 p.m., $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Only 300 tickets to be sold. Call Pat at 570-778-9229 or Sandy at 610-730-8792.