Oktoberfest fun and fundraising
Fire department holds double event to purchase equipment
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
RANKIN INLET
Folks in Rankin Inlet will be able to have a great time in a safe environment, and maybe even win some great prizes Oct. 22. And it's all for a great cause.
Fire Chief Mark Wyatt displays tickets for a giant raffle being drawn on Oct. 22 in support of the Rankin Inlet Fire Department. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
The Rankin Inlet Fire Department is holding a giant raffle and Oktoberfest celebration to raise funds for the department.
The raffle includes a top prize of a 2017 Ski-Doo Renegade Ace 900, while the Oktoberfest gala is a licensed event featuring a Bavarian meal and live entertainment.
Fire Chief Mark Wyatt said the department wanted to come up with a fundraising event that would be fun for the community, but offer something different than just a regular beer dance.
He said they wanted something people could go to, have a good time and remember as a great event.
"We want people to go and have a good meal, enjoy a good band and have a chance at winning some great prizes," said Wyatt.
"So, we came up with the idea of tying a raffle and an Oktoberfest celebration together.
"So far it's coming together pretty good."
Wyatt said there's a lot of things the department needs, but, without the necessary budget, members are constantly raising money for uniforms and different types of equipment.
He said right now, they're trying to raise money for a rescue side-by-side for incidents that happen out on the land.
"We also need some auto-extrication tools in case of motor-vehicle accidents.
"We have no tools to be able to cut people out of cars if something of that nature were to happen.
"Granted, we don't have a lot of accidents here, but we have some, and you always want to have what you need to save lives in such situations.
"It's going to happen eventually and we want to be prepared."
Wyatt said the members of the department are pretty excited about the fundraiser.
He said some are into it more than others, but everyone's out selling raffle tickets and pitching in.
"On the night of the event, the whole department will be out there providing everything from bartenders to heavy security to make sure nobody drives home drunk or anything like that.
"The whole goal is to create a responsible event where people can drink and have fun, but also be a safe event where nobody's going to get hurt.
"We don't want anyone getting incredibly intoxicated and falling down outside or trying to get on a Honda or in a car and drive away.
"We'll do our best to make sure everyone gets home safely, so I think it will be a good event for the department and the community."
