PIERREPONT — The line stretched out the door of the Pierrepont Fire Hall on Sunday as fathers and grandfathers were joined by their families for the 24th annual Father’s Day chicken barbecue.

Members of the Pierrepont Fire Department arrived before 6 a.m. to kindle the fires and begin cooking food for a large crowd of hungry families.

The event started at noon, but some eager participants showed up as early as 10:30.

Volunteers prepared pounds of salt potatoes, a plethora of pies and, of course, plenty of chicken.

“We do 450 halves, and they’re usually gone,” said firefighter Charles G. Tupper, Pierrepont.

All proceeds from meals sold at the event benefited the Fire Department.

“I think after 24 years, we’ve made a pretty good reputation for ourselves,” said firefighter Peter J. Hoyt, who organized the event.

There were some fresh faces among the attendees, but many were familiar.

“It’s usually the same regular people,” Mr. Hoyt said.

Lee C. Blackburn, Canton, was one such regular.

“My wife and I try to come up every year,” Mr. Blackburn said. “It’s a good meal my wife doesn’t have to cook.”

Although the crowded hall was filled mostly with adults, some families brought their children.

“We wanted to bring our son out for the chicken barbecue,” said Stephen T. Erdner. “We’re going to go see the firetrucks in a little bit.”

Theodore J. Martin II and his wife, Alisha I., Pierrepont, have four children; the whole family came to the barbecue.

The three oldest children are teenagers, but Mr. Martin cradled his youngest, 4-week-old Draven J., in his arms.

Raising a newborn can be difficult, but worth every minute, Mr. Martin said.

“I love it,” he said. “Wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”

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