The first Ames All-American weekend kicks off Friday night to help the Ames Fire Department raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Dave Folkmann, firefighter and union president, said the idea came from local businessmen Ken Anderson and Monte Parrish.

“They approached me six or seven months ago and asked if we’d be interested,” Folkmann said. “Historically, firefighters have supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association, so we chose to donate the proceeds to them.”

Folkmann said the Ames Fire Department has conducted “Boot Blocks” on previous Labor Day weekends, where a fireman’s boot is used to collect donations for the association.

“The average amount of money we collected was around $2,000,” he said. “We’re hoping the All-American weekend will be able to raise even more than that.”

The fire department also supports other charities, Folkmann said, including a smoke detector program in Ames.

“We install free smoke detectors for low-income families, elderly people and families with small children, who might not be able to afford smoke detectors otherwise,” he said.

The weekend begins with a dart tournament and free street dance Friday night.

Saturday’s events begin with a barbecue rib cook-off at 10 a.m. at the Best Western Starlite Village, 2601 E. 13th St.

“The fire department is challenging other departments around the state to make the best ribs,” he said.

On Saturday there will be a country western-style battle of the bands.

On Sunday there will be a car show and swap meet at the Microtel Inn & Suites, 2216 S.E. 16th St.

A $1,500 prize awaits the winning country-western band, Anderson said.

During the event, people will be able to win barbecue grills and area gift certificates through a raffle.

The event will also raise money for the police department, he said.

“Whatever we can do helps them out,” Anderson said.

He said the idea for an all-city fund-raising event came after the events of Sept. 11.

“We wanted to bring people to town and support our firefighters and policemen,” Anderson said. “An event like this brings it all together.”

The events will provide some activity for those staying in Ames over the holiday weekend, said Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco.

“I think the football game and the events of this weekend will compliment each other,” he said. “After the game, people can come downtown to eat and shop or just cruise around and see what’s going on.”