There was “buzzing” and smiling and lots of hair flying as 47 firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel got their heads shaved to help the Dream Factory make dreams come true for chronically and critically ill children in St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes.

The men lined up to get shorn during the Bald Bash Picnic at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds. The picnic was the culmination of local efforts for the “Buzz the Red, White and Blue: Making Dreams Come True” fundraiser for the Dream Factory, the nation’s second largest children’s wish-granting charity.

Commander Orlando Smith, Louisiana State Police Troop L, was the first to be relieved of his hair when somebody offered a $500 donation to the cause in return for the privilege of getting to do the shearing himself. Before the day was done, lots of other locks joined his on the floor of the fairgrounds stage.

Louisiana State Police Troop L Commander Orlando Smith is first in the hot seat during the Bald Bash Picnic, part of a fundraiser for the Dream Factory, which serves chronically and critically ill children in St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. Forty-seven law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel got their heads shaved for the cause. Smith was first when Joe Yaeger, right, offered to donate $500 if he could do the shaving himself. Dream Factory Louisiana Director Audrey Pierce, happily gives Yaeger the go ahead.

Event participants included other representatives from Troop L, plus some from St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 and St. Tammany Fire District 11 in Slidell, Enon Volunteer Fire Department District 8, Louisiana Probation and Parole, Rayburn Correctional Center, the Franklinton Police Department, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office in Franklinton, the Bogalusa Fire Department and the Bogalusa mayor’s office.

Barbers and beauticians donated their time and talents to do the “buzzing.” And other volunteers provided music, food and additional support.

Audrey Pierce, Dream Factory of Louisiana director, said the event was “successful beyond expectation.” Enough money was raised to grant at least three more dreams, she said.

So far, the children have wished for things like bedroom makeovers and trips to Disney World, said Pierce. The Franklinton Fire Department has been instrumental in making the sendoffs to Disney World memorable, she said.

In its first year of existence, the all-volunteer, non-profit organization has already granted the wishes if 12 sick children from throughout its three-parish area of coverage. And the numbers served depend on funding, said Pierce.

She said the local group intends to take part in the Buzz event annually. But the next big fundraiser will be a Golf Tournament at the Franklinton Golf Course Oct. 4.

Individuals, businesses and corporate sponsors throughout St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in a fun-filled day for the cause. To sign up, volunteer, make a donation or to get additional information about Dream Factory, call Pierce at 839-0283, e-mail her at louisiana2@dreamfactoryinc.com or visit www.dreamfactoryinc.com.