Picnic raises money for department
<p><strong>Abby Orr, 9, of St. Ignatius expresses her glee as she splashes down at the annual St. Ignatius Fireman’s Picnic Saturday.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Retired fireman and long-time supporter Ray Frey mans the barbecue at the June 25 picnic.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Auxiliary members Matt Hout, left, and Tootie Lemon hand out buns and conversation at the picnic Saturday.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Mission Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary members Rachel Gould, left, and Joni Uhe explain to a picnic-goer what the chosen raffle ticket will win. </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p>
Annie Morigeau sat at the front of the picnic arena at Saturday’s annual Mission Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fireman’s picnic.
She enjoyed her lunch, the company of her neighbors and friends and the joy of watching the supportive community turn out to participate in an event she began planning with and her fellow volunteers in February.
Scads of items were donated to a pair of auctions on Saturday. Participants at live auction filled a covered picnic area and sounded off to claim their treasures, among them a trip to Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho and a fishing trip to Alaska. A silent auction quietly took place in a row of tents a few feet away.
Morigeau said money raised at the annual picnic is used to buy fire trucks and equipment for training and education.
“The community is always very supportive,” Morigeau said. “We couldn’t pull it off without them.”
In all, about 100 items were donated by community members for the auctions.
Morigeau said this is the 22nd year for the event.