Parrots Chapel Volunteer Fire Department Hosts 7th Annual Fundraiser and Kid’s Fishing Tournament

The Parrots Chapel community came together in a big way to support the area’s Volunteer Fire Department Saturday.

The Parrots Chapel Volunteer Fire Department hosted their seventh annual Fundraiser and Kid’s Fishing Tournament Saturday morning. There were 32 participants from all over Parrots Chapel, Fairgarden, and other communities, ranging from ages 2 to 18. Parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents came out to fish with the children. Along with the fishing tournament, there were drawings for prizes, including two bikes donated by Dale Skidmore Allstate, and an auction that included merchandise donated by Stuart’s Drugs in Sevierville and Real Deal Warehouse. Chambers Market and Deli donated drinks for the event, and there was a bake sale full of goodies baked by people in the area that raised over $580. With the sale of concessions and numerous donations, the event was bigger than ever.

The fishing tournament awarded trophies and ribbons for the first three places in each age group. The Grand Champion was awarded for both Game Fish and Non-Game Fish. Each child also received a new rod and reel, which were sold by Wal-Mart at cost for the tournament. This year’s winners were 12-year-old Jade Shumake, with a 1.75lb bass, and 11-year-old Ian Ivanez, with a 5 oz bluegill.

“We’ve never seen community support so strong,” said Ray Shumake, administrator and safety officer for the Parrots Chapel Volunteer Fire Department. “We want to say thank you for all the community support, and to the sponsors for such a great turnout.” Along with several donations before the event, and the continuous stream of vehicles throughout the day, the PCVFD was able to raise almost $4,000.