The Pine River Fire Department will hold its 14th annual pig roast fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the fire station on Range Line Road.
The event features food served from 1-7 p.m. and live music by Bernie Thompson from 1-4:30 p.m. and The Influence from 7-11 p.m. Activities also include fire and EMS demonstrations, fireworks at dusk by Fireworks Depot, and raffles throughout the day. Polaris UTV test drives will be offered from 1-4 p.m.
The drawing for 14 major prizes will be held at 6 p.m. The top prize this year is a Polaris Ranger UTV.
Also at this year’s event, the Pine River Fire Department will be remembering two of its own who died over the past year, First Responder Tari Blank and firefighter and founding member Larry Langbecker.
The pig roast has been the fire department’s major fundraising activity since the department was established in 2005 and proceeds are used to cover expenses beyond the general budget. With the department nearing 15 years of service, much of its equipment is due to be upgraded. Over the past year, the department has replaced emergency lights on its vehicles, and continues to set money aside for a new fire engine.
Pine River Fire Chief John Uttech noted that local businesses and individuals have always been very generous in donating raffle prizes for the pig roast. Many of the sponsors have been supporting the event since its inception.
The establishment of the fire department was approved by the township in 2004. The fire station was built in 2005 and held its first open house that year. The department went into service on Jan. 1, 2006. A First Responders group was started as part of the fire department in 2007.