The annual Daytona 500 comes up next Sunday and DeWitt County fire departments are inviting the public for their biggest fundraiser of the year.

The Eagles in Clinton annually hosts the event for the fire departments across DeWitt County for the Daytona 500 fundraiser, this year on Sunday, Feb. 19. Wapella Fire Chief Ralph Smith indicates the fundraiser begins at noon and has silent auction items, food is served, and this year they are adding a reverse raffle.

Last year was a banner year for the fundraiser. For Wappella fire, they have purchased equipment with the funds raised and Chief Smith indicates they don't have anything earmarked for this year, simply because they just don't know what kind of money the event might bring in.

Mike Short with the Clinton Fire Department says it was nice to have the Daytona 500 fundraiser back last year, a banner year for the event. He indicates, like the other departments, the Clinton Fire Department uses the funds raised to improve its services through equipment upgrades and other improvements.

The event again is Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Clinton Eagles. Admission is free. Food can be purchased for a small cost. The veteran first responders say you do not have to be present to win any of the silent auction items and do not have to be a part of the event in its entirety. 

Find more information at the Facebook pages of the Clinton, Kenney, or Wapella Fire Departments.