According to firefighter Tracey Moore who’s been with the department for the last four years, the ball is the department’s premier fundraiser every year and the culmination of all the hours of hard work they’ve put in.

“This event is everything for the department,” she said.

Typically, the event raises anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on a variety of factors including the weather, Moore said.

Having recently purchased a new rescue van worth over $40,000 and a $4,000 positive pressure fan, the funds raised from the party will be put to good use by the department, Moore said.

Typically, the party has taken place at Centennial Hall in Norway Bay, before moving to the Jack Graham Centre, according to one of the event’s organizers Denis Findlay.

Festivities kicked off at around 8 p.m. with a period of socializing accompanied by Pembroke-based rock cover collective the John Priebe Band gracing the stage to play some oldies to the audience’s delight.

Volunteers doled out beverages at the bar to keep anyone from going too thirsty, while firefighter’s spouses were busy in the kitchen preparing hundreds of delicious sandwiches and squares for the late-night feast.

Numerous tables were spread out across the hall, allowing folks to sit down and socialize with family and friends over drinks and finger food.

Filling the large empty space in front of the stage, couples eagerly hit the dance floor and show off their best Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers impressions.

At around 9:30 p.m., the music briefly stopped as the night’s emcee and Bristol firefighter Ken Bernard stepped on stage to announce the winners of around 40 door prizes, donated by a variety of local businesses. Along with a silent auction at the front entrance, a few volunteers roamed the room raffling off 50/50 tickets.

After handing out the prizes, Bernard handed the mic to Bristol Mayor and former Fire Chief Brent Orr who thanked everyone for attending the event and expressed his gratitude for the community’s unrelenting support.

He followed up by recognized of a personal achievement, as he presented a graduation certificate to Barry Tubman and Derek O’Malley for officially completing the officer’s course.

Then, it was time to announce the firefighter of the year award, which was won by Gérard Laferrière.

The award is voted by members of the department’s and winning it is a sign of the utmost respect from one’s peers, according to Moore who won the award last year.

With so many people filling the space and enjoying the atmosphere, Moore was thrilled with the amount of people who showed up to support.

“This is a great turnout,” she said. “So far, so good.”

Firefighter-emcee Ken Bernard reads the names of door prize winners during the event

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