PENN TWP — Due to lower-than-expected ticket sales, the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department’s annual tool bash has been canceled for 2026.

The tool bash is an annual fundraising event for the fire department in which residents can purchase tickets for a chance to have their number drawn and win cash or prizes. This year’s event had previously been scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and the grand prizes were a Generac power generator and a Husqvarna lawn mower.

A notice taped to the front door of the Penn Township municipal building notified residents of the cancellation.

“Unfortunately, due to struggling ticket sales, increased competition from other events and rising costs to hold the event, the department made the difficult decision to cancel to avoid incurring significant expenses to host the day of the event,” the notice read.

During the monthly board of supervisors meeting held Tuesday night, April 14, Supervisor Matthew Salina — who is also a volunteer firefighter — notified residents that all money already spent on tickets would be refunded.

“If you bought tickets online, if you bought tickets from a person or from a business, please contact the fire department directly and let them know who you purchased it from so that we can work on getting you a refund,” Salina said. “We just ask that you bear with us as we get through this.”

Also during the meeting, it was announced a longtime Penn Township police fixture, Cpl. Dennis D. Crawford, would be retiring effective Friday, May 1.

According to township Supervisor Doug Roth, Crawford has served with Penn Township since 2001.

“He’s been around for a long time,” Roth said. “He’s been a good officer, a good person, good friend and a good employee and we’re going to miss him.”

Township manager Linda Zerfoss read Crawford’s resignation letter aloud during Tuesday night’s meeting.

“I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude for the years that I have been able to serve the community of Penn Township,” Crawford wrote. “I have never been so proud to wear the uniform and protect the people of this area.”