The Kannapolis Fire Department invites the community to its annual Fire Truck Parade, Food Drive and Blood Donation Event on Friday, October 2. The event will feature a parade of fire trucks from across the region, a non-perishable food drive to benefit local families, and a community blood drive. 

The Fire Truck Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Onlookers are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy seeing a variety of fire trucks–both historic and modern–from departments throughout the region. 

The parade route will begin at the intersection of Biotechnology Lane and Laureate Way, travel along Laureate Way to North Carolina Research Campus Drive, then returning to Laureate Way, ending at the intersection of Watson Creek Drive and Laureate Way. 

Fire departments interested in participating in the parade with a fire truck can register by visiting: https://forms.gle/584Ga4hCkQejsVhD7 

From 3–6 p.m., community members are invited to meet Kannapolis firefighters and drop off canned food donations. Firefighters will be stationed at the intersection of Laureate Way and Watson Creek Drive to collect non-perishable food donations. 

Suggested food donations include: 
•    Canned meats
•    Peanut butter and jelly 
•    Spaghetti sauce 
•    Spaghetti noodles 
•    Canned fruit 
•    Pork and beans
•    Pudding cups 

All donated items will benefit local families through Cooperative Christian Ministry. 

From 2–7 p.m., community members can also help save lives by donating blood. OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will be on–site from 2–7 p.m. at the intersection of Laureate Way and Watson Creek Drive. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled at: www.oneblood.org/donate-now.html 

Please note the roundabout in front of City Hall will be closed during the parade. However, both City Hall parking lots will remain open and available for public parking.