INUVIK
This isn't going to be your typical toga party.

Maryssa Camacho was one of the winners of the "chief's shield" award for firefighter of the year May 4 during last year's annual firefighters gala. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

While the theme of the annual firefighters ball on May 3 might be A Night on the Acropolis, it's still going to all be in good taste without the usual connotations of a toga party, said Paul Arthorne.

He's the head of the Inuvik Firefighters Association, which is organizing the annual event celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“We're still going to hold everyone to a semi-formal dress standard,” said Arthorne with a bit of a smile as the subject of togas came up.

While it's expected most people will show up in their finery, togas are welcome so long as they are “tasteful,” he added. So no one should expect this gala to look like some Bacchanalian feast or the last days of Caligula.

He said there's been “a bit of talk around town” regarding the Greco-Roman theme.

“We're trying to reiterate that it has to be tasteful,” he said. “But it's also a night to have some fun.”

That's likely all to the good, since it will stir more interest in the event.

The ball, which is primarily aimed at giving the firefighters a chance to “wine and dine” with the public, has been organized by the association for a few years now. Previously, it had been a more formal occasion operated by the department and fire chief to recognize the achievements of the firefighters.

Arthorne said there are many members of the public who don't have much opportunity to meet the firefighters except when they're on the job. That might not be the best time for an introduction, or a happy occasion, and the ball provides them a chance to meet and talk in a more relaxed atmosphere.

“It's not a fundraiser, it's really a way for people in the public to meet the fire department. Unless you know some firefighters personally, you don't have much chance.”

Awards will still be handed out, he said. The firefighter of the year will be recognized, as will the rookie of the year.

The highlight, though, might be the unfortunately-named “boner of the year” award for the silliest mistake made by a firefighter.

Arthorne winced a little at the name, but said it's “been called that for years.”

He said it wasn't handed out in any kind of mean-spirited fashion, but instead celebrates some of the comical things that can happen as firefighters are rushing out the doors.

“It's always a humorous thing, like someone backing the truck into a hydrant.”

Arthorne said a prime example that happens at least once a year is that someone will forget to close one of the “roll-up doors” on a truck as a call comes in, leading to equipment falling out as the vehicle leaves.

“It's very easy to do, although it makes you feel silly,” he said.

The entertainment will be provided by stand-up comic Kerry Unger, who has also been carefully vetted by the association.

Arthorne said it's always a challenge to find entertainment suitable for the wide audience that comes to the ball, but he's confident Unger will fit the bill.