KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis Fire Department will host a firetruck parade as part of its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. The route will be along Laureate Way and North Research Campus Drive, between City Hall and the North Carolina Research Campus. Indoor festivities will be in the Laureate Center at City Hall.

The free open house will focus on the theme “Every Second Counts.” Information on how to make sure you have working smoke alarms, plan home evacuations and prevent fires will be offered.

There will be emergency vehicles, music, entertainment, rescue helicopters, inflatable games and a Pit Road, which will include community partners with information and more.

The Kannapolis Firefighters’ Assistance Foundation will have hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks available for purchase. In addition, the foundation will host a silent auction and sell T-shirts. Profits will go to assist local firefighters in need.

In conjunction with the firetruck parade and open house, the Fire Department will host a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Laureate Center.

Donors can register by going to www.cbcc.us/mobiledrives and entering Kannapolis Fire Department. Donors must present an I.D. before donating.