GULF SHORES, Ala. — Marking over a decade of community service, the 11th annual Snowbird Brat Fest will transpire this weekend.

On Saturday, snowbird clubs from 10 states will join forces to raise money for the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan fire departments.

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin snowbirds put forth combined efforts for success.

“But it’s not just a snowbird event,” Cindy Sinn, chairman of the event and member of the Ohio Club, said. “It’s for everybody.”

Over the past 11 years, more than $60,000 has been raised for the departments and this year the clubs are working to tack on more money.

From 10:15 a.m. until it’s all gone, patrons are asked to pick up their brat at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores.

A supply of 3,000 brats, made in Robertsdale, will be ready and waiting for mouths to feed.

Carry out, dine-in and a drive thru will be available. If it rains, two drive-thrus will be created.

The Gulf Breeze RV Choir will provide entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and will perform songs from the 50s to current rock and roll.

Snowbirds have become a viable resource for the Gulf Coast and every year bring with them a charitable mind.

Sinn said a lot of the snowbirds are just as active here as they are in their home states and she says it’s because southerners would do the same.

She said the locals have lent a hand to make the fest a good one.

“We put forth great gratitude to everyone who has donated, whether it’s money, food or goods, to us,” Sinn said.

Orange Beach Fire Department Chief Forney Howard said the money helps fund the work done by the volunteer department in the city. Each year the three departments get between $1,000 to $2,000.

“It’s been a big benefit to us every year,” Howard said.

Money from the brat fest helps the Orange Beach Fire Department buy equipment and train volunteers.