Fire Fest, a Walnut Street block party free-for-all, set for Thursday in downtown Asheville

Scully’s and 5 Walnut team up to benefit the families of firefighters during an afternoon event on Thursday, where everything is hot, from the wings and beer to the music and fire truck.

Kristi Quinn (5 Walnut) and Danny Scully (Scully’s) started talking about putting on a benefit after the cancellation this year of the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival. Both wanted to have some fun and raise some money for a good cause. Scully had a cousin who died while fighting a fire in Chicago last November. The two decided to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighters Association, as well as for a holiday meal program to benefit local firefighters.

The family friendly event starts at 4 p.m. with Walnut Street being blocked off between Lexington Avenue and Carolina Lane. There’s a $20 suggested donation to attend, with food and drink served up between the two bars. (The event will also encompass the Lexington Avenue courtyard behind Scully’s.)

Organizers are encouraging folks to bring their kids to check out a firetruck that will be on location. There will be bagpipers, at least one band and fire-themed eats and drinks (think hot wings and Fire Escape beer, for example). There will also be a raffle drawing for two tickets to Saturday night’s Widespread Panic show at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Quinn and Scully hope the event will honor Asheville’s firefighters, raise money to benefit them and create a fun block party that could turn into an annual event. Check ’em out.