Pine River Fire Department hosts Annual Pig Roast and Open House

The Pine River Volunteer Fire Department will host its Annual Pig Roast and Open House this Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the Pine River Fire Station, N1622 Rangeline Rd. in Merrill.
The event, which has grown significantly over the years, is the primary fundraiser for the department which was established in 2005 as a volunteer fire department in the Town of Pine River to better protect their community. In addition to serving the Town of Pine River, the crews are frequently dispatched to assist other central Wisconsin fire departments for significant emergency events.
“When the voters gave the go ahead to form our department in 2005, we pledged that our fundraising would help support the department as best it could and help relieve [the burden of that] from the town’s budget when it came to expenses,” the department said in a Facebook post.
What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a major community event. The department noted that by the third year, volunteers had refined their approach and decided to focus their fundraising efforts on this single annual event.
“We soon realized if we put all of our eggs in this one basket, and we do it well, we could really do well,” the department said.

The strategy has proven successful, allowing the department to make significant purchases without impacting the township’s budget. Last year, the Pine River Fire Department bought a used Pierce engine from Pine Lake Fire Department in Oneida County to serve as a primary backup.
“That engine was purchased entirely with money from our fundraising account. It added zero debt and caused no expenses to the township,” the department said.
Saturday’s event will feature food, raffles, demonstrations, and activities for the kids. Bernie Thompson will perform from 1 to 4:30 p.m., followed by Honky Tonk Highway from 7 to 11 p.m. Life Link III helicopter crews plan to visit during the day, and fire and EMS demonstrations are scheduled throughout the afternoon.
A big ticket raffle with a $5,000 top prize will be drawn at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the event.
The day will conclude with a fireworks display at dark, marking the 11th consecutive year the department has included fireworks in the celebration.
Most outdoor activities are weather permitting.
All proceeds benefit the Pine River Fire Department and EMS. “We take every single dollar earned and use it to help protect the community that we serve,” the department said.