Home » 75th Anniversary Old-Fashioned Fundraiser – FAQs

75th Anniversary Old-Fashioned Fundraiser – FAQs

1. What is the 75th Anniversary Old-Fashioned Fundraising Event?

Over the years, Centreville volunteers have pursued a wide range of fundraising mechanisms to generate the income needed to support the department’s operating and capital expenses.  While some continue (such as our fund drive letters, and bingo games at the firehouse), many were abandoned as they were staff-intensive or were not generating sufficient funds to meet the department’s obligations.

A turkey shoot is a firearms competitive event in which highest score wins a turkey.  Traditionally, Centreville hosted these events just before major holidays, as the bird would become the meat on the table for the family.  For our diamond jubilee, the Centreville VFD will be hosting this event near Easter. Among the older fundraising mechanisms that the department considered for its diamond jubilee were cake walks, carnivals, and turkey shoots.  The turkey shoot was selected for its historic significance and its flexibility to be conducted in modern times with improved processes.  These are often conducted and operated in a tournament fashion, similar to a golf tournament.

2. Why host a turkey shoot?    

This event will be no different, and the department anticipates the return may be modest to moderate, and provide an opportunity for the community to join together in supporting the department while also recalling the efforts of the community to support the department in the past.

3. When will the turkey shoot be held?

All participating shooters must register online at www.cvfd.org/shoot no later than March 19, 2026.  No registrations will be accepted after that date.  The turkey shoot will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, starting at 3pm.  In the event of falling weather (rain, ice, or snow), the event will be postponed to Thursday, April 2, 2026 starting at 3pm.

4. Where will the turkey shoot be held?

The Centreville Volunteer Fire Department is partnering with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA PARKS) to conduct this old-fashioned fundraising event.  NOVA PARKS operates the Bull Run Shooting Center at Bull Run Regional Park, and they have a fifteen-station shooting course on which the turkey shoot will be held.

5. Who can attend and participate in the turkey shoot?

All registered shooters must be legally allowed to possess and shoot a firearm in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Shooters must be aged 12 or older.  While some of the 15 stations on the shooting circuit are wheelchair accessible, not all stations would accommodate a wheelchair, and so we are unable to accommodate wheelchair users for this event.  Shooters need not be experienced; licensed firearm safety instructors certified by the national Sporting Clays Association will provide firearms safety instruction prior to the start of the event.  Due to the proximity of the shooting stations to one another, and their isolated location in a wooded area, spectators will not be permitted.

6. How much does it cost to participate?

Registration is $125/person.  Registration is non-refundable, but it is transferrable, if you need to send a substitute for you on the day of the event.  Your registration covers:

  • Learn to Shoot class instruction for beginners and novices and a safety briefing
  • NOVA PARKS staff who accompany shooting teams to assure safety, guidance, and scoring. They will also provide shooting tips and pointers to help you improve your performance
  • 50 sporting clays
  • Gun rental
  • 50 rounds of ammunition
  • Hearing protection

Your registration covers light refreshments, swag for participating and prizes for the top three shooters, as well as a portion for the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department for its funding needs.  Those needs include, for example, building and grounds maintenance and improvements, loans for apparatus, and operating costs such as uniforms and equipment. Your registration fee does not cover eye protection, which is required.  Eye protection can be your own sunglasses, or prescription eye glasses (not contact lenses), safety glasses, or you can purchase inexpensive eye protection for about $6 at the shooting center.

7. Can I bring my own firearm to compete?

Shooters can bring their own shotguns, but there are restrictions.  Shotguns must be traditional sporter/hunter style weapons with barrels at least 23-inches long.  Tactical style weapons (such as those with pistol grip and shotguns with detachable shell magazines) are not permitted.  Shotguns are also available from NOVA PARKS, and registration fees cover rental costs and ammunition.

8. How many shooters will be competing?

Registration is open to the first 90 eligible participants to complete the form and submit the fee.  Shooters can participate in groups up to 6, and anyone not part of a group will be partnered up by NOVA PARKS instructors that day.  Each group will rotate through the 15 shooting stations to complete the circuit and to be scored.

9. What are the prizes?

The Honey Baked Ham Co.The grand prize for the best score will be an Easter meal, courtesy Honeybaked Ham Company of Fairfax.  This meal provides 10 pounds of meat, with your choice of ham, turkey, or ham and turkey plus four side dishes.  Second prize will be an Easter meal with 7 pounds of meat, with your choice of ham, turkey, or ham and turkey plus four side dishes.  Third prize is 4 pounds of meat, with your choice of ham or turkey, or ham and turkey.  There will also be additional swag, including 75th Anniversary challenge coins, from the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department to accompany your prize.

10. Where can I find more information?

 

Mailing address: PO Box 157, Centreville, VA, 20122
Information line: (703) 830-1479
IN AN EMERGENCY, ALWAYS CALL 911
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