SISTER LAKES — Tradition, dedication and sacrifice are words of an embodiment for the volunteer firefighters at Sister Lakes Fire Department. They are also the words adorning the back of the fire department’s annual Fourth of July Big Foot Parade and BBQ Fundraiser T-shirts.

The Sister Lakes Fire Department will be hosting the fundraiser as an all day affair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For the fourth year in a row, the barbecue will be port-a-pit style, ordered from Nelson’s BBQ and Catering and then sold by firefights at the station, 92282 County Road 690, Dowagiac. The firefighters will be selling half chickens, a half slab of ribs, hot dogs and cold drinks.

The fire department uses donations to purchase new equipment throughout the year like cases of water, Gatorade and other necessities, said Anthony Stewart, the assistant fire chief at Sister Lakes Fire Department and coordinator of the event.

“We put on the event to raise funds for the needs of the fire department,” Stewart said. “At Sister Lakes, none of our firefighters are paid. It’s all 100-percent volunteer.”

The parade and possible chance for a bigfoot sighting will take place at Lions Park, 66991 95th Ave, Dowagiac. The lineup for the parade begins at 4 p.m., with a start time of 5 p.m. The parade organizers encouraged those interested in joining the parade the day of to show up early for registration purposes.

“[Every year], there’s a lot of fire trucks: Sister Lakes, Dowagiac, Indian Lakes, Wayne Township, Keeler,” Stewart said. “A lot of fire departments from the surrounding areas show up. A lot of local businesses put their trucks in it, classic cars and golf carts. The weather is supposed to be nice, so we are hoping for a good turnout.”

The fire department wants everyone to stay after the parade to enjoy the fireworks at Lions Park, beginning right at dusk, Stewart said.

For those interested in sporting some SLFD gear, the fire department will be selling its “I support the Sister Lakes Fire Department” T-shirt at the event. All profits from the T-shirts, which cost $20, will go to the department’s fundraising efforts. Each year, a new T-shirt is designed by the department and sold at the event, Stewart said.

“We obviously do accept donations,” he said. “We probably make just enough money if not more from donations. We never really set a goal because it is all dependent on the fluctuation of the resort-goers out on Sister Lakes. It depends on how many of [them] come out and support us. This is our way to showcase our new equipment and [for] the members of the fire department to meet members of our community.”