After hosting a successful first annual BBQ Cook-Off on June 1 that attracted many residents from the Montgomery County area, the Bellflower Volunteer Fire District didn’t waste time making plans for 2025.

“We’re definitely planning on doing it again next year,” said Alex Clark, a member of the fire district and the organizer of the BBQ Cook-Off.

The BBQ Cook-Off was part of a community outreach project the fire department put together to help the Bellflower community stay connected. The event began at 8 a.m. at the Bellflower fire house at 211 S. Main Street and continued throughout the day despite rainy conditions. Vendors such as Deering Farms and artist Gary Eskew were in attendance. A car/bike cruise-in was also held.

“We really started picking it up here at lunchtime around 11,” Clark said. “We had six teams (at the Cook-Off), which was a lot more than we thought we would have. A lot of them didn’t sign up. They just came and entered the day of (the event), which was allowed. So that was good. We were starting to get a little bit nervous, but the rain died down.”

Besides the BBQ, a dodgeball tournament, a trivia night, a chili cook-off, an adults-only prom, movies at the firehouse and fun days at the park are among the other events the Bellflower fire district is looking to put together. Also, the firehouse will be open at least one weekend a month so community residents can meet the members of the fire department.

Clark, who graduated from Montgomery County High School in 2019, came up with the idea of the Bellflower community outreach project.

“I’ve been in the fire department since I can remember,” said Clark, who lives in Montgomery City. “ was a kid helping out and everything else. My dad (Brian) is the assistant chief. I’m pretty close with everybody here, so I was like, ‘Hey, let’s do more’ to get the community involved and everything. This whole thing was kind of born.”

The BBQ event sold pork steaks, brats, hot dogs, potato chips and muffins. Proceeds will help the fire district purchase battery powered extraction equipment to assist in efficiency on scene.

“I’m just glad everyone came out to support us,” Clark said. “The cooks worked really hard to keep everybody up here fed. We worked really hard to get this going. We’re glad to see it pay off.”