Robert and Erin Pickens win big at Fireman’s Ball

The Fireman's Ball hosted by the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department is becoming a much-anticipated New Year's Eve tradition for many folks in our area -- and news is spreading. There were a lot of out-of-towners in the goodsized crowd that was present to support the cause, enjoy a delicious steak and shrimp dinner catered by Gilbert Garcia and the Crazy Cajuns, and dance in the New Year with the Chris Brade Band.

The annual Fireman's Ball is the BVFD's biggest fund-raiser, and each $100 ticket sold was good for dinner for-two and a chance in the drawing in the big raffle. The next-to-last ticket in the hopper this year was good for $500 for runners-up Paul Dale and Renee Ferguson of Buffalo, and the evening's big winners were Robert and Erin Pickens of Buffalo. Their winning ticket was worth $5000.

Local businesses had donated many items which were auctioned off, adding to the entertainment and the profits.

BVFD Fire Chief Shaine Reeder was enthusiastic about this year's Fireman's Ball, stat- ing, "This is probably the best year we ever had. We heard nothing but 100% happy people with their steak, and so many stayed and danced. People had a good time."

Reeder wished to express the BVFD's appreciation fo the sponsors and donors, which included: Nucor Steel and Community National Bank, Ridley Block, Reeder and Sons NAPA, Bison Tire and Lube, Davis Feed and Fertilize, Stagecoach Deli, Heart and Home, Freedom Air, Champion Cattle Country, Buffalo Gal, Buffalo Sporting Goods, Glick Fireworks, Glick Auto, Johnny and Debbie Williams, Mike and Becky Pickens, Petry Services, Robinson Home and Auto, Lone Star Grill and Cantina in Fairfield, and the Chris Brade Band. The businesses that sold tickets for the event included Champion Cattle Company, Pruitts Cleaners, Buffalo Animal Hospital, NAPA, Robinson's Small Engines, Bison Tire and Lube, and Ryder Oil. Volunteers who helped put this together included Mike Kennedy, Danny Reeder, Jeff and Janie Ryder, Tim and DeAnne Ezell, Cyndi Reeder and the volunteer firefighters and their wives. (Apologies on the front end if we left anyone out!)

This was the second year for the Chris Brade Band to provide the music for the Fireman's Ball, and Chief Reeder is already contracting with them for next year. He encourages everyone to mark their calendars and plan to join in NEXT New Year's Eve, cautioning, "Next year you'd better get your tickets early -- it'll probably sell out quick!"