Fund-raiser is a success for county fire departments
Staff reporter
Several hundred people enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of fun and games at Marion County Lake during the second annual fund-raiser for Marion County fire departments
Deemed a huge success by organizers and participants, the near-perfect weather certainly contributed to the success.
"We really appreciated participation from all of the fire departments, volunteers, and businesses," said Connie Gage of Lincolnville, the organizer for this year's event.
More than $5,000 was raised, with additional donations yet anticipated by the group.
A minimum of four representatives from each of the rural and city fire departments volunteered their time to the event. Children's games, prize drawings, fishing contest, and water games gave children of all ages a chance to participate.
A popular attraction was a dunking booth, especially when Marion County Commissioner Randy Dallke was on the hot seat.
Dressed in a yellow and black, old-fashioned bathing suit, the Peabody resident and firefighter, invited, enticed, and encouraged participants to throw balls at the plunger that made him drop into the water.
A pumper truck provided water activities by spraying water onto swimmers in the beach area.
Beginning at 5 p.m., several hundred were served pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, bratwursts, beans, and chips.
Drawings for various prizes were held after the meal.
A Henry .22 lever-action rifle was won by Sylvia Bailey, Lincolnville; a one-night's stay for two at The Outdoors Inn Bed & Breakfast and a gift package from Signatures Salon was won by Jennifer Montgomery, Lincolnville; and Cody Craney of Hillsboro, was the lucky child to win a ride on a fire truck to set off the first round of fireworks.
Winners of the fishing contest were: Vince Craney, first; Cody Craney, second; and Jessica Craney, third, all of Hillsboro.
Several thousand people attended a fireworks display at the lake.
"This was a countywide collaboration," Gage said. "As firefighters, we all have to work together and depend on each other so it makes sense for us to work together to raise money."
The funds will be evenly distributed among the fire departments and used for equipment, supplies, and other non-budgeted items.
"We really appreciate the generosity of businesses and individuals who made a donation," Gage said.
"We're already planning to do this again next year," Gage said. "We plan to make it better and better each year."
