Thanks to everyone in the area for all their support through the years. It is greatly appreciated. We couldn’t continue to do this if not for the support of the community”

Chief Patten

According to current Chief Ron Patten, over 500 halves of chicken, 100 plus lbs of brats, numerous 5-gallon pails of potato salad plus beans, cheese curds, pickles and bread were served, along with your choice of numerous desserts.

A great crowd was on hand Sunday at the Boyd Edson Delmar Fire station to eat charcoal chicken and brats at the 30^th annual Charcoal Chicken and Brat Dinner.

This event started 30 years ago when the new fire station opened. Forrest Supple was the fire chief at that time and the group came up with the idea of hosting a dinner as a fundraiser. Even then the event was supported by the community as almost 500 people were served.  Today, over 730 people came out to enjoy the great food and company.  According to current Chief Ron Patten, over 500 halves of chicken, 100 plus lbs of brats, numerous 5-gallon pails of potato salad plus beans, cheese curds, pickles and bread were served, along with your choice of numerous desserts.

The Fire and Ambulance teams and their families all work hard to make this event so successful. From setting up the tables, ordering the food, making all the desserts, cooking the brats and chicken, serving and cleanup, it's definitely a team effort. Last year due to covid, all meals were takeout only. This year it’s back to normal with the eat in or take out option.  Many like the eat in dining as it’s become a social event with so many people to visit with.

In addition to having a wonderful meal, people had the opportunity to purchase tickets to win numerous raffles. According to Chief Patten, donors help with the food, raffle prizes or provide cash to purchase supplies for the dinner.  There was also a bake sale for those wanting to take a few sweets home with them.  Earlier in the year, fire department members sold a limited number of tickets for a gun raffle.  These tickets were all sold out prior to the Sunday dinner.   Proceeds from the gun raffle and dinner go towards the purchase of firefighting equipment and emergency equipment for the ambulance.  Proceeds from the bake sale and raffles go toward the ambulance auxiliary which also purchases equipment.

And the fire and ambulance squads do all this while still taking calls. Chief Patten says they have it worked out that if a call comes in, the guys know who goes on the call and who stays to work the dinner.  They are fortunate to have many wives and children helping at the dinner too.

Chief Patten states “Thanks to everyone in the area for all their support through the years. It is greatly appreciated. We couldn’t continue to do this if not for the support of the community”.

We thank these people for all the work they do as fire fighters and on the ambulance squad. It takes time and dedication to make these departments the successes they are. If interested in serving your community by joining the fire or ambulance squads, please contact Chief Patten at 715-828-3082 for information.