No one in Lake County has to be reminded of the importance of firefighters. But these local heroes cannot live on gratitude alone. It requires money to battle a wildfire, so the Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association is holding a fundraiser—a Hot Dog Eating Contest. The event, which is part of the Lakeport Harvest Festival, will be held on October 1 at 3 p.m. Participants must be 18 or older; the registration fee is $25. Register at Stone Fire Pizza in Lakeport or email [email protected]. The festival itself will feature a DJ and live music, line dancing, pumpkin decorating, a corn hole tournament, a scarecrow contest, races, performances, games, and children’s crafts. The festival will happen on October 1, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., and is free. Both the hot dog eating contest and the festival will be held on Main Street in Lakeport. Find details at tinyurl.com/dvz8bnf3.