A couple of excited kids climbed into a white Charger while Bella Vista's chief of police, Ken Farmer, watched with a smile during the Heroes and Hamburgers event at Simple Pleasures.
The event, which included a car museum, a booth where kids could put together cards for emergency workers, a caricature booth and live music, was held to honor emergency personnel and raise money to purchase GPS-equipped computer systems for Bella Vista's emergency vehicles.
"There's more to it than GPS units," Chief Farmer said. "We're looking to set up mobile dispatch."
With the computers, as well as the necessary software and map licenses, Farmer said, these come in at roughly a $6,000 investment per vehicle.
The fund-raising goal to purchase these systems is, according to the Heroes and Hamburgers website, $204,000.
Chief Farmer said he was involved with the event's planning, along with Fire Chief Steve Sims and Simple Pleasures' proprietor, Ken Miner.
"This event is to honor first responders," Farmer said. "So I don't have the officers assigned to anything. I'm going to let them enjoy themselves."
Officer Blake Hughes showed up to check out the event. He was happy to see such a big turnout, he said, and it was a great opportunity for the police and citizens to interact.
"I like that we're letting the kids go through the car," he said.
Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Wolfgang said that the event was honoring emergency personnel, but it's ultimately an event for the whole community.
"It's an awesome thing that the community is coming out and supporting us," he said. "I don't think any of us knew how big it would be."
How big was it? Miner ordered 1,500 hamburger patties, which were all sold before the event's conclusion at 4 p.m.
One attendee, Jim Sandford, showed up with his wife, Diane Sandford. They came to the event, Jim Sandford said, partly to enjoy themselves, and also to support the fundraiser. It's particularly important to them, he said, because they have friends who are firefighters.
"Looks like they got more people than they bargained for," he said.
Volunteers were busy cooking a constant stream of burgers, trying to feed a line that seemed endless.
Fred Kritz was grilling batch after batch of burgers as the line continued to grow.
"Could've used more cookers," Kritz said. "I'm really amazed at the way the turnout has been so far.
Kritz said he's been working with Ken Miner since he started doing events roughly 16 years ago. He's normally a paid worker, he said, but he was volunteering at the event.
Dennis Hayes showed up with his wife, April Hayes, and their son, Owen Hayes.
They all had a good time, Dennis Hayes said, and they all enjoyed the burgers, which are a Simple Pleasures signature meal.
"It's a great event," Dennis Hayes said. "I think it's a good occasion. Nice for them to see the public services and what they do."
Sims said this was a great chance to get out and interact with the public.
"We love showing our equipment, we love being there for the community," Sims said, "and that's what we're here for."
General News on 09/21/2016