ALDEN — The Alden Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association will host its annual open house pork chop and sweet corn feed from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the fire hall.

The event, which is the organization’s only fundraiser, will feature pork chops, all-you-can-eat sweet corn, beans, salad and a beverage for $10.

According to Alden Fire Chief Jim Thunstedt, all the proceeds of the event will be used to help update and maintain the department’s equipment.

In years past, the event helped the fire department purchase a UTV wildlife and firefighting rescue rig, which is used in rescue situations in more rural areas, where larger fire trucks cannot be successfully utilized.

The chief hopes to be able to purchase a washer extractor if the department is not awarded a grant the department has applied for through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The washer is used to clean equipment of chemicals, soot and other contaminants that collect on the gear during the process of extinguishing fires. This not only prolongs the life of the equipment, but protects firefighters from carcinogens that can build up on the equipment if it is not properly cleaned after a fire.

The washer has an estimated cost of $7,000, which Thunstedt noted was a large amount for a smaller fire department to have to come up with.

If the grant is awarded, the chief said the department will use the proceeds to update communication equipment and gear.

“It’s always been a great fundraiser for us,” Thunstedt said.

He estimated the department typically raises about $3,000 at the yearly event.

In Alden, first responders pull double duty. The 22-member team answers both fire and ambulance calls within the city of Alden and its neighboring townships.

In total, Thunstedt said the department covers 54 square miles.

If you go

What: Alden Volunteer Fire Department pork chop and sweet corn feed

When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Alden fire hall

Cost: $10