St. Ignatius VFD Firemen’s Picnic another success

By B.L. Azure

Auctioneer Steve Allard kept the money rolling in for the numerous donated items for the annual St. Ignatius VFD auction. (B.L. Azure photo)

ST. IGNATIUS — It was a hot time in the old town Saturday as hundreds of people of all ages gathered at the Good Old Days field for the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department’s 14th annual Firemen’s Picnic and Auction. The event is the main fundraiser for the VFD and it attracts folks from throughout western Montana.

Once there they were treated to a meaty meal of slow cooked barbecue fare of beef, buffalo and pork with all the fixins’.

There was also a live and silent auction of items donated by individuals and businesses. There were drawings for a rifle, freezer with a half of beef and a log playhouse.

There plenty of games for the youngsters and the free ride on the two-horse powered wagon.

Lady Griz volleyball player Amy Roberts applies tattoos to 4-year-old Tristan Vanderburg Saturday in Mission. (B.L. Azure photo)

Montana Grizzly athletes and cheerleaders were also on hand with youth activities and face and body temporary tattoos.

VFD fireman Fred Gariepy said the picnic and auction went over well and raised plenty of money. The annual event grossed $30,000 that will be used for equipment for the VFD.