Sidney Volunteer Fire Department Fireman's Ball Set For Nov. 16

It's time to get dressed up and have a ball at the second annual Fireman's Ball Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Richland County Event Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a social followed by a fantastic dinner prepared by the firemen, who are great cooks! Then rock the night away to the country and rock sounds of "Plowed Under Band". The silent auction closes and the live auction begins at 8:30 p.m. Other activities include the floating polaroid cameras for on-the-spot photos, and prizes for such things as best dressed male and female. Dress up in some fire fighter gear and have fun in the photo booth or get your picture taken in front of the sponsorship banner.

Sidney wrestlers will be serving the meal while Savage fire fighters will be helping at the doors. "They love to come," Sidney fireman Brandon Roth said. "They want it to succeed as much as we do."

Firemen Jake Carlsen and Roth explained that the purpose of the ball is to get people involved in the community. "We want to get people engaged in volunteerism," Roth said. "We want to encourage community engagement, and get people involved in the community and help people."

Generous auction donations are being received from businesses and individuals, and sponsorships are also available. All proceeds from the live and silent auctions and any other activity that evening go towards the Fallen Volunteer Heroes Scholarship. The scholarship was started last year in honor of firefighters who died before their time.

The scholarship is primarily to support students who are entering college for a career in Fire Science or Emergency Services. It is also open to those going into a medical field and students with a high amount of volunteer hours. The scholarship not only supports local students, but also raises awareness for residents to support their community, and promotes and rewards volunteerism. The 2023 scholarships were awarded to a student from Fairview and one from Lambert who are both in nursing programs. The firemen would love to see others go into EMS programs and are hoping their scholarship will help to promote that.

Roth and Carlsen both praised the wives of the fire fighters who are helping make the ball a reality, with decorating, making centerpieces, providing desserts, and doing ticket sales. "The spouses see our passion and love helping out," Roth stated.

Proceeds from the breakfast hosted by the firemen in the spring go towards fire department operations. Proceeds from the ball go to the scholarship. "We are not trying to double dip," Roth said. "We are so blessed to live in this community and have such wonderful support. We're (Sidney, Fairview, Savage and Lambert) at our highest efficiency ever. We're very fortunate."

Tickets for the event are $50 each and available now by calling Carlsen at 406-480-2173. Roth at 406-478-4748, or contacting Kale Rasmussen at the fire hall, 406-433-1122. Follow Fireman's Ball on Facebook. Tables are also available at $400 for a table for six or $500 for a table for eight.

The men said their goal is for everyone to have fun and encourage everyone to come out and support a cause near and dear to a fireman's heart.