PHOTO OF THE DAY: PARTY AT THE PARK

A picture-perfect summer evening Saturday, Aug. 14 accommodated the eighth annual Freeman Volunteer Fire Department Firehouse Rib Cook-Off at the Swimming Pool Park, and hundreds came out to enjoy it. What is being called the biggest fundraiser of its kind yet for the local department drew 23 departments from three states, and men, women and children of all ages showed up to enjoy ribs, brisket and other good eats. Activity began picking up at the park around 1 p.m. on Saturday and steadily grew throughout the afternoon. By 6 p.m. the place was packed. “This is insane — this is awesome,” said Chad Soulek, who launched the Firehouse Rib Cook-Off in 2014. “The support, the love, the fun — just a great day. Biggest yet.”