There was plenty of smoke at Dartmouth Fire District No. 3’s annual Pig Roast. 

The event, held on August 17, included food, drink — and two large pigs cooked over a roast. 

This year, the two pigs were donated to the Paskamansett Engine Company, which hosted the event, by Distinctive Auto Body and Wayne Electric and Alarms. 

Preparations began the day before the big roast.

The two pigs, apples, and onions were tossed in a large box to roast for 18 hours, before firefighters and volunteers took the freshly cooked pigs out to divvy up the meat. 

“We have a great turnout here,” noted Chief Richard Arruda. “We have a good number of the full department here.” 

In addition to firefighters, their families also pitched in to cook food, staff the donation tables, and help run the event. 

Ticket sales and proceeds will go towards the Paskamansett Engine Company, which provides support to the fire district and community. 

Funds will help the company run an annual Halloween parade and party at the fire station, award scholarships to three Dartmouth students, and host a toy drive for students at the Schwartz School. 

Funds are also used to support the district’s firefighters, including for an injury fund if they are hurt on the job or out of work. 

“We’re just there to help out our community and our firefighters,” said Paskamansett Engine Company President and firefighter Richard Racine. 

Racine stepped up to run the organization after the previous president had to step down for personal reasons about a month and a half ago. 

Although it was a hectic month to nail down the final details, Racine noted it was all worth it in the end. 

“You can meet up with your old friends, win good raffles, and eat some really good home-cooked food,” Racine noted.