Chalybeate FD Fundraiser-- Makin' Their Way The Only Way They Know How: $4K Raised

Hundreds attended the annual Chalybeate VFD Fundraiser featuring "Hazzard Life."

Darren Doyle, story, photos, and video:
If you grew up in the late 70's and early 80's, especially in the south, it's highly likely that you were a Dukes of Hazzard fan at some point or another. Some of us, er...some people never grew out of that fandom and were able to re-live some of that TV show magic at the 2017 Chalybeate Fire Department annual fundraiser this past Saturday as they hosted "Hazzard Life," a traveling Dukes of Hazzard car replica company.

Fans of all ages weren't disappointed when the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office shut down Chalybeate stretch for a few minutes while the company staged their own car chase, as Rosco's patrol car was in hot pursuit of the General, complete with flashing lights and dixie horn blasts, after an exciting burnout in front of the fire dept as dozens of spectators cheered with plenty of "yee haws."

The car group travels around the country bringing their famous "General Lee," complete with mag wheels, push bar, CB antenna, and the iconic rebel flag on top. In addition to the General, they also have Daisy's yellow Roadrunner, Rosco's Plymouth patrol car, and their latest addition; Uncle Jesse's white Ford pickup, complete with a "moonshine still," in the back.

Edmonson Voice video of the 'car chase' posted to our Facebook Page that has received over 19K views since Saturday afternoon.

The General Lee was chased by Rosco's patrol car down Chalybeate stretch on Saturday.

Fire Chief Daniel Johnson said that while he had reservations about bring the car company back for a second year in a row, the cars turned out to be a smash hit once again.

"We just didn't know if folks would come out again like they did last year because we were featuring the same thing, but we had even more people come out this year," he said. "We're looking now at making this an annual event."

Johnson said the event was a success because of all the help that went into the fundraiser.

"We thank all the vendors that came out on Saturday. That helped a great deal. All the folks at Hazzard Life were great to work with once again and they donated a portion of the proceeds from the rides in the General Lee that were sold. We also want to thank our Sheriff's Department for helping us with our 'car chase,' and we appreciate the Edmonson Voice for being our media sponsor once again."

He also said local companies on site like Backyard BBQ, Kona ice, Jacob's Home Furnishings, and custom Tshirts from Sarah Childress also gave a portion of their sales on Saturday back to the fire dept. Modern Woodmen of America also matched a portion of the proceeds.

Chief Johnson also thanked the musicians who donated their time as well.

"We appreciate Rye Davis for playing and setting up his sound system, and Corey Culbreth and Laney Meredith did an excellent job as always."

All in all, around $4,000 was raised for the fire department, which will go towards much needed equipment.

So will the fire department 'fight the system like a modern day Robin Hood' next year as well? Johnson said it's in the works and plans are already being made to make next year's event even bigger. Got suggestions for next year's event? Email them to: community@edmonsonvoice.com.