Barbecue and Brunswick stew and baked beans and more are the name of the game at the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fall barbecue fundraising coming up on Oct. 6.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on that Saturday at Station 10, 15020 Carrollton Blvd.

For a $10 donation at the door, hungry supporters will dine on home-cooked barbecue and stew, sides like baked beans and cole slaw and hushpuppies, as well as iced tea.

Life member Albert Burckard said the barbecues have been held since 1966.

“Back in those days, they were only once a year,” Burckard said. “We’ve probably got at least a hundred of these under our belt.”

Burckard said the department does all of its own work for the barbecues, including making their own charcoal to cook the hogs.

“It’s our own recipe, and it’s sort of what we call a vinegar-based, Carolina-type recipe rather than a sugar-based Virginia recipe,” he said.

The proceeds are used to purchase medical supplies and equipment, building upkeep and other expenses.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to donate and support their own local fire and rescue department,” Burckard said. “We had the very first electric stretchers for the ambulances.”

The department also has the largest water tanker in the area, a 5,500-gallon behemoth that is used at large fires in multiple jurisdictions.

“All those donations are what makes that possible,” Burckard said. “When people come to the barbecue, that’s what that money goes toward.”

Whether it’s the vinegar-based recipe, the chance to support the department or the chance to see old friends, the barbecue attracts plenty of folks.

“There are many Carrollton residents, and some from outside of Carrollton, who look forward to this every year,” Burckard said. “We’ve got a pretty wide reputation.”

Advance tickets are $8 and are available at many business locations in Carrollton and Smithfield.