headlines this year’s Buzz-B-Q

benefiting the arkansas fallen firefighters memorial fund

LITTLE ROCK, AR. (may 5, 2010): Country music artist Ty Herndon headlines the 6^th Annual Buzz-B-Q presented by Firestone, Saturday, May 15^th, 2010, at the North Little Rock RV Park. This barbeque and music Festival is hosted by KABZ 103.7 The Buzz and benefits the North Little Rock Firefighters Local 35 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Fund.

"Buzz-B-Q is in its 6^th year, and we continue to see increased excitement and growth with every year! It’s definitely become the event to kick-off the summer,” said Steve Jonsson, General Manager of 103.7 The Buzz. “We are so thrilled about having Ty Herndon headlining the event this year and once again partnering with the North Little Rock Firefighters Local 35. It’s a natural fit.”

Over 80 local BBQ teams will be competing in the Twin City Tractor Fiser Kubota BBQ Contest for more than $5000 in cash and prizes in the categories of pork, ribs and wings. Forty-seven teams are

competing in the Average Joe Division for the laid-back griller. Thirty-five teams are competing in the more serious division, the Pro Division.

Tickets are only $5 in advance, $7 on the day of the event and $10 after 5 p.m. Ticket locations can be found on www.1037thebuzz.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free. And in celebration of Armed Forces Day, anyone who shows a military ID at the gate will receive $2 off the ticket price.

“The brothers and sisters of the International Association of Firefighters Local 35 are again so excited to be the charity of choice for Buzz-B-Q for the fourth year in a row,” said Ray Vance, President, IAFF Local 35. “Live music, barbeque and raising money for the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial Fund, what more can we ask for?”

Half of the teams will be handing out free samples of their barbeque to the public. These teams will be competing for the People’s Choice Award that will be judged by a random sampling of Buzz-B-Q attendees. They will also vote on showmanship and originality of the BBQ team space. Teams handing out free samples and participating in the showmanship contest will be recognized by signs located in their BBQ team space.

Doors open at 11a.m. Local live music will be featured all day on the Rev Room Stage by Adam Hambrick, Steve Shankles, Canvas featuring Chuck Gatlin, Taylor Made Rocks and Sharpe Dunaway and The Meanies. Jeff Coleman and the Feeders will open up for Ty Herndon at 7 p.m. directly after the BBQ Awards Ceremony 6 p.m.

Between 1995 and 2002, Herndon charted 17 singles including his three #1’s and numerous top 10 hits such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On (To a Woman Letting Go),” and “Hands of a Working Man.” Herndon hits the stage at 8:30 p.m.

There is an area for kids—the McCauley Services Kids Zone with a rockwall, obstacle course and

Firestone’s Big Foot. Karaoke and pool tables will be set up under the pavilion.

KABZ personalities such as Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Roger Scott, Justin Acri and Pat Bradley will help host and emcee the event.

The 6^th Annual Buzz-B-Q is presented by Firestone and sponsored by Bryant Brake and Tire, Fureigh Electric, Gravely Mowers, New Balance, Krazy Mike’s Shrimp and Wings, All Clean and Budweiser.

In 1990, the City of North Little Rock was 29 square miles in size, and it had:

• 10 Fire Stations
• 14 front-line fire apparatus' (10 Engine, 2 Truck, 2 Rescue)
• 148 Firemen

It's now 18 years later.  The City of North Little Rock is now 53 Square Miles, and steadily annexing more acreage.  And for fire protection, NLR has:

• 10 Fire Stations (the same as twenty years ago)... Every new fire station was built only after one was torn down!
  
• 13 front-line fire apparatus' (9 Engine, 2 Truck, 2 Rescue)... One Engine was "lost" in the last Firetruck Shuffle back in the early 90's.
• 149 Firemen (they hired an additional Staff Officer)

Do the math.  Draw your own conclusions.