Fall is for the firefighters
October has a funny way of mixing caution with fun. We check the furnaces, swap out summer gear, watch the leaves pile up — and somehow make room for black cats, haunted houses and a few good scares along the way.
Around Nisswa, that mix fits especially well this year. September brought another strong show of support for the fire department, with neighbors turning out for one of its most reliable annual fundraisers. The event once again proved that a little food, a few prizes and plenty of generosity can go a long way.
Now October shifts the focus from supporting firefighters to thinking a little more like them. Fire Prevention Month is a timely reminder to check smoke alarms, review escape plans and take care of the simple things that can keep small problems from spreading, literally.
However, October ins’t all warnings and checklists. There’s room for costumes, candy and a few carefully planned scares by our very own fire department before Halloween.
Fundraiser at Nisswa’s Ye Old Pickle Factory nears $20K
The season for chips and bratwursts went out with a bang at the Nisswa Fire Department’s annual fundraiser feed.
Patrons packed the Ye Old Pickle Factory — the longtime host and sponsor of the event — and reportedly raised $19,933 at the annual benefit on Sept. 10.
The event has developed an impressive track record over the years, routinely generating close to that amount through a combination of free-will donations, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and other fundraising fun. Auction and raffle offerings included group golf outings at some of the area’s premier courses, coolers, beach gear, memorabilia and more.
The fundraiser gives area residents an informal way to spend some time with members of the department while supporting the men and women who respond when local emergencies arise.
Nearly $20,000 later, it’s safe to say the community answered the call again.
For the Nisswa Fire Department, the evening provided more than a full house and plenty of full stomachs. It continued a local tradition that turns a few hours of food and fun into meaningful support for the department year after year. Go Serve Big!
Halloween tradition continues for Nisswa Fire, Lions Club
Haunted Barn returns for a frightfully fun night
Halloween arrives a week early in Nisswa this year when the Nisswa Fire Department’s annual Haunted Barn is tentatively set to return Saturday, Oct. 24.
Join firefighters and members of the Nisswa Lions Club for this year’s event, again held at the farm at 8089 Gardenview Road, east of Nisswa.
The event gives families two ways to take part. With a “not-so-scary” tour in the early evening for children, and the real fright show later in the evening. In past years, the tours have been held from 5 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., respectively. Admission has also been free, with free-will donations encouraged to support the department. Watch for more updates from Nisswa Fire Department on Facebook and Nisswa Lions Club.
