Downtown Columbus was packed Monday, as the Columbus Fire Department served up some flame-broiled burgers, juicy hotdogs and tender barbecue while various musicians delivered some stirring tunes to the audience lining Ward Street that evening. The festivities were part of the fire department’s 45th annual barbecue and gospel sing, which took place June 30 through July 3. The event was intended to raise money for infrared aerial drones to help the department detect fires and search wooded areas for missing people. (Photos by Ted Yoakum/Tryon Daily Bulletin)