The Bristol volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual Fireman’s Ball at the Jack Graham Community Centre Saturday where the fundraiser once again lived up to its status as a community event not to be missed.
On the surface, it was a party. There was a canteen, live music, laughter, food and, most of all, people. From end to end of the centre, there were people. Deeper down, it was a subtle celebration and acknowledgment of dedication, service and community. There were epaulettes awarded to members who had received promotions. There were plaques acknowledging technical advancement in equipment and skills. And there were service awards thanking volunteers for up to 40 years of continued service to the brigade.
More than 16 members of the volunteer service played host throughout the evening and were complemented by an array of helpful hands offering assistance at everything from the door to the kitchen to the clean-up.
In keeping with the frank nature of the evening, Chief Kevin Kluke took a 10-minute moment with the mic to acknowledge the achievements and accomplishments of fellow members of the department, at one point handing the mic to Bristol Mayor Brent Orr so that the chief, in turn, could also be acknowledged. There was no preamble or pretense and it was purely an opportunity for community to witness the breadth of dedication working to keep them safe and a moment where a standing applause was the only worthy response.
Well-known and local musical group Midnight Ramblers provided background to a dance floor which at times did not seem big enough for the enthusiasm in the room. Tables and chairs continually emptied as joy and laughter segued to the large space in front of the stage where attendees bopped, spun, rocked, two-stepped and generally got down to a variety of covers from Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard to Trooper and Dr. Hook.
At 11 p.m., the doors to the kitchen slid open inviting attendees to join in a popular tradition: the late lunch. This was to be the next dance wherein tables of sandwiches, cheeses, pickles, desserts, coffee and tea took up the charge and keenness was equal to the task.
While the success of any event can be measured at the door, the true success of this one was on display across every inch of the Jack Graham Community Centre in the faces of the uniformed volunteers and their appreciative beneficiaries. This is community and why they came to the dance.
