It may be a bit unusual for an editorial to start with “hey, go out and have fun next Saturday.” But “hey” that is what you should consider doing. The Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen’s Ball will start May 23 with the silent auction (5 – 6:30 p.m.), the barbecue dinner (5 – 6:30 p.m.) then the live auction. Once that winds down the live music and dancing will kick off with The Ocracoke Rockers, The Aaron Caswell Band and ball’s founding group, The Dune Dogs.
Unlike many volunteer fire departments, Ocracoke receives very limited financial county support. It must rely on raising its own money and it is highly appreciative of the Occupancy Tax Board which has generously supported it.
Last year, this event raised $72,000. Without these funds the OVFD would not be able to provide as high a level of service as it does. All on Ocracoke and those who have second homes here should understand the importance of the OVFD.
Not only does OVFD battle fires, it also provides vital support in cases of Medevacs when helicopters come in to take a patient to an off-island hospital in emergencies
The OVFD has more 20 volunteers who receive training and are ready to help out at a moment’s notice It could use more volunteers and this year we are pleased to see that several have joined.
So come out, have a meal, bid on some great items and rock away. This will be an occasion to say thank you to volunteer firefighters, many of whom will “volunteering” for this event.
If you can’t attend, you can make a donation to the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association (OFPA) and mail it to OFPA, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Point of Disclosure: Peter Vankevich is on the editorial board for the Ocracoke Observer and is an Ocracoke volunteer firefighter.
Is it still possible to purchase t-shirts with the original OVFD picture logo?
Yes. The original ones are gray or navy blue and there still are some left. You can purchase them at the fire station and possibly at the Ragpicker (252) 928-7571./Peter Vankevich
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