BUYCK- Fifty years of service, community support, and tradition came together Saturday as the Buyck Fire Department and EMS held its annual benefit auction and pork and corn feed.
The festivities took place against the backdrop of both the department’s old fire hall and its much larger new facility, which is nearing completion and will better meet the department’s needs.
On a hot, sunny day, attendees made full use of tents set up to provide shade as they gathered around five large trailers filled with donated auction items. The pork and corn feed followed the auction.
Fire Chief Kathy Weiand opened the event with a look back at the department’s origins. The fire department was formed in 1976, with the state accepting its articles of incorporation that December.
Its first annual fundraiser followed on Aug. 20, 1977, at Myrtle Lake Resort.
“It was billed as a fun auction with all items donated, and it featured chicken and sweet corn feed,” Weiand said. “So that’s how the pork and corn feed thing got started.”
Nearly half a century later, the fundraiser continues to help pay for the department’s equipment, training, and other needs.
Weiand said the department currently has 11 trained, certified, and equipped firefighters along with 16 first responders, a significant force for a community Buyck’s size.
The department has also expanded its auxiliary and welcomed its first recruit into its Fire and Rescue Explorer program, which offers young people ages 14 to 18 an opportunity to become involved with the department.
Department members train with aeromedical helicopter crews, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad, the Department of Natural Resources, and neighboring fire departments.
“Last year we went on 19 calls, and this year we have already gone on 21 calls,” Weiand said. “So we are honored to serve this community.”
Saturday’s menu included pork, beef, corn on the cob, side dishes, and desserts. The event also featured silent-auction items, children’s activities, 50th-anniversary merchandise, and Forest Service representatives available to answer questions.
With five trailers of auction items waiting for bidders, Weiand encouraged attendees to make themselves noticed.
“Yell and wave your arms, get our attention,” she said. “So it’s no time to be shy.”
Weiand thanked the department members, community volunteers, food providers, businesses, contractors, and donors who helped make the benefit possible.