The Redmond Fire Department (RFD) is again hosting a free pancake breakfast — although donations will be accepted — for the community during the upcoming Derby Days summer festival.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, July 9 from 8 a.m.-noon at Redmond Fire Station 11, 8450 161st Ave. N.E.

“This breakfast is a great way for residents to get to know their local firefighters and help out those in need,” notes firefighter Paul Richards, one of the organizers of this year’s event. “The kids always have a great time exploring the fire trucks and having a picture taken in a real firefighter’s helmet and jacket.”

New this year is a silent auction, proceeds of which also go to the RFD’s Benevolent Fund.

The auction has more than 90 items ranging from a three-night stay at a Wyndham resort anywhere in the world, a whale watching tour and a round of golf at Bear Creek Country Club to Husky football tickets, Nintendo Wii, dinners, massages, wine and much more.

The RFD’s Benevolent Fund benefits people in the local community, especially those facing personal tragedy. All donations from the breakfast and proceeds from the auction go towards this fund.

Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage, three blocks northwest of the station.

Aside from the breakfast and silent auction, children will have a chance to tour the department’s various fire apparatus, try their hand at squirting water on a mock fire and pose for photos in authentic fire gear.

For more information, contact (425) 556-2200 or prichards@redmond.gov.