Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In recent years, upwards of 600 people have descended on the Nicholasville Fire Department in October for its annual fire prevention open house.

Of course, things are different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The open house itself has been canceled, but the firefighters have another plan.

From 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23, firefighters will hand out hot dog meals and fire prevention materials on Start Court near NFD Station 2, which is on North Main Street.

NFD Chief Mark Case said the department has hosted the open house, complete with equipment displays, games for the children and other events, in addition to handing out fire prevention information.

“Because of COVID, we’re trying to minimize the exposure,” Case said. “We’re going to do a drive-through fire prevention event.”

Case said the firefighters also regularly went to local schools for fire prevention programs. Likewise, those are being reworked this year.

“We’re working on some virtual things,” he said.

Case said the event typically attracts more than 200 people, though one year more than 600 people showed up.

“I hate to cancel it really,” Case said.