CALCUTTA, Ohio - The Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department got a head start on St. Patrick's Day celebrations on Saturday with its 2nd annual Shamrock the Plaza.

Located at the Dunhams Plaza in Calcutta, the fire department's workers, their friends and families and the community all came out to support.

Guests enjoyed live bands and bagpipe and drum performers, food trucks, a bar crawl and a Kegs 'N Eggs breakfast. There were also contests where participants could win best kilt, furthest traveled fire or police department and best dressed group in St. Patrick's Day costumes.

Proceeds from the event go towards helping the department purchase equipment, fund search and rescue missions, and create more future events like Shamrock the Plaza.

"It brings in community engagement, our firemen get to talk to the community. It gives our police officers working a chance to talk to the community in a more relaxed environment than at a public meeting," said Randy Schneider, Calcutta Firefighter Lieutenant.

The next event the department is hosting is Community Day in August, filled with bounce houses, food, activities and a movie night.