Sparky the fire dog and Smoky Bear, along with the free food, drew over 200 people to Boothbay Fire Department’s annual Fire Prevention Week open house Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Held from 5 to 7 p.m., the event also featured a display of fire and other emergency vehicles, time to meet the firefighters – some dressed in full gear while others worked the grills, cooked fries, or manned information display tables – and a time for catch-up conversations with friends and neighbors.

Besides the BFD personnel, Southport, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Wiscasset firefighters were spotted roaming the grounds and enjoying the food, which included hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages (with or without grilled onions) and french fries.

Representatives of the Red Cross and Maine Forest Service handed out informational items and answered questions.

BFD firefighters invited kids to hold a fire hose while trying to use the spray to knock a ball out of a contraption positioned about 20 yards away.

Local Girl Scouts and Brownies troops provided various cakes for dessert and the dishes of free candy were a hit, too.

“Another real good turnout,” said BFD Chief Dick Spofford. “A fun community event that we like to do.”