ST. JOHN – An evening of fun for the entire family is planned for May 26.

On that date, the St. John Fire Department will host its third annual Pork Fest at Tri-County Airport.

The annual fund-raising effort of the volunteer fire department will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a pig-picking style dinner that will be served from that time until 8 p.m.

At 7 p.m. the Band of Oz will begin performing and will be on stage until approximately 11 p.m.

Fireworks are planned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

“Last year we had people come out, bring their kids and spread blankets out on the tarmac,” St. John Fire Chief Wesley Liverman said. “They had a good time and we’re encouraging people to come out and enjoy the family atmosphere.”

Liverman said the goal this year is to sell 1,000 tickets and that ticket sales have been proceeding well to this point.

The St. John Fire Department, like all other volunteer units in the county, receives funds from Hertford County. Liverman said those monies pay for about half of the department’s budget, leaving the volunteers to raise the remainder of the funds.

“We’re trying to get this event established because it helps keep the fire department running,” he said. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.”

Tickets are $25 per person for those age eight years and up. Those seven and under will be admitted free.

Tickets are available at St. John’s Karts, Southern Bank in Ahoskie, Duck Thru on Main Street in Ahoskie and through members of the St. John Fire Department.

The department is also looking for corporate sponsors for the event. For more information on sponsorship, call Fire Chief Wesley Liverman (395-1390), Assistant Chief Greg Joyner (332-4431) or Captain Russ Joyner (332-4431).