The 18th annual Honeybee Festival will be kicking off at Honeybee Park this Saturday, Oct. 6.

Started as a fund rasier for the Roberstsdale Fire Department, the festival has become an entertaining addition to the Robertsdale area’s rich heritage. The festivities will include, “everything from face painting to woodwork, an assortment of jewelry and art; and of course, plenty of honey,” joked coordinator Lisa Lucas. The money collected from the event will be used to purchase new equipment for the fire department.

The cost of maintaining the department is extraordinarily expensive, making the turnout for this event of utmost importance. “To equip one fireman costs about $2,000, and this helps us get our funds up to get any extra equipment needed,” said Lucas.

The festivities will begin at 8 a.m. A fire truck parade will begin at 9 a.m. The parade route starts at Regions Bank on Highway 59 and ends at Honeybee Park. This is followed shortly thereafter by the Kangaroo Court, in which a number of city officials will be summoned before a judge to be fined and “jailed.” The total of the fines must be raised by the charity event in order to get the accused “out of jail.”

Afterward there will be an auction, at which participants can bid on everything from grills and furniture, to vacuum cleaners. Guests of the event are invited to participate in an auto show on the grounds. There is a $20 fee to register your vehicle and registration ends at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to contest winners and a gift basket will be presented as the grand prize.

There will be plenty of activities and games for the kids, including a bungee trampoline, three inflatable playhouses, and a mechanical bull for those brave enough to try. Hamburgers, hotdogs,and sausage will be served throughout the day, as well as fountain drinks to beat the heat.

The City of Robertsdale will be sponsoring an outdoor movie with the comedy “Night at the Museum,” starring Ben Stiller, beginning at 7 p.m. Event planners suggest bringing your own chair or blanket for the movie, as seating will not be provided.

This year’s event will be a grand affair for the community, young and old, and the RFD encourages everybody to come out this Saturday and join in the fun and fellowship.