ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Let the sirens sound. Let the bounce houses … bounce, let there be honey, and other good things to buy. Let there be an auction and entertainment for all. And get ready to enjoy a movie after the sun sets.

Let’s not forget the “extraction demonstration,” where Robertsdale Volunteer Fire Department personnel will demonstrate the methods they use to free victims from twisted cars after an accident.

Best of all, admission to the festival and the movie are free. Organizers say the film will be “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” and it’s sponsored by the City of Robertsdale. Just be sure to bring a chair or beach towel to sit on.

Yes, the Honeybee Festival is set to take flight in Honeybee Park (that’s the park right along Highway 59 in Robertsdale) this Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. The festival is sponsored by the RVFD.

“The (money from) the festival helps us buy gear,” explained Lisa Lucas a captain with the RVFD.

But, Lucas cautioned that the 18 firefighters in the department aren’t counting just on the Honeybee Festival to raise money.

“For us, the festival just about breaks even,” she said. “For us, it’s a chance to be with the community on a non-emergency basis.”

Still, Lucas is hoping that the department can come up with enough cash to purchase more “turnout” gear, the jacket, boots, pants and helmet firefighters wear. According to Lucas, it costs about $1,500 for the equipment, and an air pack that allows a firefighter to search a smoky fire for a trapped person cost around $45,000. Right now, she’s hoping for more turnout gear.

The festival promises plenty of fun for all ages. Besides the five “bounce houses” that feature activities for the young, the band “4 a.m.” will be playing country music from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. taking breaks so Nikki Childress and the Girls Youth Organization can perform. At 11 a.m., there will be an auction of items donated to the RVFD.

“It could be anything,,” Lucas said. “It’s amazing what people will go for. Everybody has fun.”

There will also be pony rides and a petting zoo as well.

While the festival opens at 8 a.m., Lucas says the parade featuring units from area fire companies will head down Highway 59 at 9 a.m. Earplugs might be wanted as many local departments come to show off their apparatus with sirens sounding at top volume. It’s a sight sure to appeal to the young, young at heart and those who would like to put “wet stuff on red stuff.”

“The fire truck parade has trucks from all over the county,” Lucas said, “We’re hoping for a bigger turnout of truck than last year.”

If a community organization wants to join the parade, Lucas just says, “Show up.”

Speaking of hidden desires to be come a firefighter, members of the RVFD will be around the fair willing to speak to Robertsdale residents who might want to become volunteer firefighters.

It’s a tough job, but Lucas’ face brightens when she talks about her work. She’s been a volunteer firefighter for 11 years.

“My husband got me into it,” said Lucas. Her husband is RVFD chief John Lucas. “For years, and years, I said, ‘No, I can’t do it.’ But I love it. I love the diversified people you meet and I like helping people.”