LAKE GOGEBIC — After over 30 years, the firemen from Lake Gogebic have perfected the chicken barbeque to raise funds for the Lake Gogebic Fire Departments. They will once again host the Annual Firemen’s Picnic on Aug. 8from noon to 5 p.m. Central Time at the West Shore Fire Station located on State Hwy M-64, approximately 10 miles north of US Hwy 2.

The Annual BBQ first came to into being over 30 years ago. Back in 1990, the wife of the Fire Department Chief thought holding a chicken dinner barbeque would be a terrific opportunity to raise funds for needed equipment. This first fundraiser began by supplying boots for firefighters. Then sprang up the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, an Auxiliary to the fire departments to assist in raising funds. Based out of Marenisco Township with stations on the West and East Shores of the Lake, the BBQ has grown to a fun-filled family event that has assisted in the recent funding of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to four Lake Gogebic resorts, sets of full turn-out gear, an ice auger to draw water from the lake during a fire, a K12 Rescue Saw for venting roofs and vehicle rescues, along with lifesaving training opportunities for dedicated firefighters.

The Aug. 8 event starts with the chicken dinner served from noon until 3 p.m. Central Time, with ongoing events until 5. Dinner includes two pieces of chicken, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, a roll, and dessert – all for $12 with kids under six still eating free!

There will be door prizes, Kids Games, a home-baked pie auction, a 50-50 raffle/drawing, basket raffles and silent auction. All bidding for basket raffles and silent auction ends at 4 p.m. with winners announced directly after. Come join in the family fun and support our local heroes at the same time. For more information, please call Joanie Hissom at (906) 842-3311 or Donna Blasius at 906-575-3406. See you there!