The Weyauwega Fire Department will holding its first fall fundraiser this month with plans to make it an annual event.
“We will now have an annual dance with a specific monetary goal and what it will go towards,” said Paul Buchholz, who is a member of the volunteer department and a member of the committee planning the fall fundraiser.
The dance – featuring the Spicey Tie Band – will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 15, at the fire station.
Tickets are $8 in advance and available at local businesses and from firefighters. Tickets will be $10 at the door.
The dance is open to all, and snacks and refreshments will be available.
The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $7,500 to be used toward the purchase of a water rescue boat and related water rescue equipment.
Much thought went into the idea of having a fall fundraiser.
The fire department is known for its annual chicken barbecue and raffle that is held in June.
Buchholz said the in the past, the department also had a second fundraiser each year, such as a brat stand, a snowmobile race and a demo derby.
“We didn’t do a second fundraiser for awhile,” he said. “In 2010, when it was the department’s 125th anniversary, we went into it with let’s have a party to give back to the community.”
The department had a silent, lighted parade and then a dance.
Some liked the idea of having an annual dance, and about a year ago, a core of the members came up with the idea of how to have a dance and also make it profitable.
“We approached business, organizations and individuals about being sponsors,” Buchholz said. “We started back in December and asked if they would be interested in a pledge that they would pay in July so that in September, we could have the piece of equipment and have it at the dance.”
He said in many cases, the department received checks a water later from those it had approached.
The platinum sponsors are TLC Sign, Alliance Industries, Custom Fiberglass Molding Inc., FTS International, J.R. Larsen Co. Inc., Mel and Mary Nyman, Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Midwest Regional Refurbishment Center and Quantum Dairy.
“We got a boat because of how successful it’s been. We will be able to do more to complement it,” Buchholz said. “We’re coming up with a list of complementary water rescue equipment.”
He said that the funds will purchase items that are above and beyond the typical capital items that taxpayers in the fire district fund
The Weyauwega Fire Department will hold a firefighter competition on Main Street on Sept. 15 after the Horse & Buggy Days Parade..
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