DUBLIN — Folks were treated to sunny skies with occasional breezes Saturday at the first-ever Fifty-Fifty Fear Factor Fundraiser at Dublin Motor Speedway.

The event was an effort to raise money for the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club children’s outreach programs and Bladen County Emergency Services training facility.

The morning opened with the Fear factor Fun Run, but, when the day began to heat up, many of the activities evolved into water-related events — like a makeshift dunking booth and water brigade races.

Although the turnout was sluggish, organizers weren’t concerned.

“I’m not at all disappointed with the crowd,” said Jeff Futrell, president of the Kiwanis Club. “This is something to build on, and we’re already seeing some tweaks we can make.”

He added that, as the event becomes an annual event, the Kiwanis Club hopes to benefit other organizations in the county.

“EMS is a huge asset in the county, and there are others that need financial help,” Futrell said. “As this grows, it will be a big help for our club as well as get us out into the community more.”

Chase Lancaster, deputy fire marshal for the county’s Emergency Services, was grateful for the Kiwanis Club’s efforts.

“This is a great event,” he said. “The money is much needed for the training facility with classrooms — which will go a long way toward improving the insurance rating for the county.”

Lancaster added that a benefit softball tournament will be held Oct. 1 at the county park on U.S. 701 South.

Throughout the day-long fundraiser, children had a number of activities to keep them busy — including a fire department swimming pool, bounce houses, badminton, corn hole and more. There were also hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages for sale, music and much more — all in the shadows of the Dublin Motor Speedway bleachers.

“There aren’t a lot of people, but this was a lot of fun,” said Jasmine Flowers of Tar Heel, who brought her two children. “It’s a nice little event and I hope it becomes an annual one.”

The events platinum sponsors were Cape Fear Valley/Bladen Healthcare and Thompson Small Engine Repair.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com