The masses rush to Dayton for annual fundraiser
David Howard of Elmo uses a decorated coal bucket to catch candy as children of Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department personnel and their friends toss treats to him during the Dayton Daze parade. Howard later gave his catchings to friends and children.
Children from the Shooting Start Preschool participate in the Dayton Daze parade Saturday, Sept. 8. (Ashley Fox photos/Lake County Leader)
Christine Cook waves from a tricycle during the Dayton Daze parade Saturday, Sept. 8. Cook was a winner of the “best costume” contest. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department held yet another successful fundraiser this year.
The 27th Dayton Daze was held Saturday, Sept. 8 at the community park.
Organizer Zoe Lilja said that the fire service’s goal was enough to purchase a used tender to add to the fleet.
“We don’t really have a (fixed price),” Lilja said.
This year’s theme was “Montana Gold Rush,” prompting costumes from some of those who attended.
Winning this year’s costume contests were Christine Cook, Benjamin Tressel and two young girls by the names Rachel and Rulecia.
Spectators lined up in the late-summer sun to watch the parade, which also saw some winners in a contest.
THE CCVFD won the judges’ favorite float, showing off a newly outfitted tender.
A 1964 Lincoln owned by Bob Lemon won for best vehicle, while the Dock Masters Gold Digger Sailboat by Rande and Barb Walton took bragging rights for best float.
The Dayton School students, riding along, waving in the parade, won for the organization category.
In addition to the community bash, Lilja noted that about 10 days prior, the fire department sent out donations letters to residents in the area.
The fire service area gets a flat $100 per tax-paying household, making it a little different from the surrounding fire districts that receive percentages of funding, she explained.
Three fire halls make up Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, each with trucks.
There are between 30 and 33 firefighters on the roster that cover the response area of about 60 square miles, Lilja said.