Dance the night away at Fireman's Ball this Valentines

DESERT AIRE - If you're trying to think of a really special way to treat your sweetheart on Valentines Day, Grant County Fire District No. 8 has a really cool idea for you.

Take her, or him, to the 47th annual Fireman's Dinner and Sweetheart's Ball at the Sagebrush Senior Center at Desert Aire on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The admission charge for dinner and dancing will be only $40 per couple. Singles may attend for $25.

The Fireman's Ball promises to be an evening your sweetheart won't forget. It will start with a tri-tip dinner at 7 p.m. From 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. there will be dancing to the sounds of Clearwater Country.

In addition to raising your esteem in the eyes of your sweetheart by taking her, or him, to the ball, you'll be supporting several charitable causes in the community.

According to chairwoman and volunteer firefighter and EMT Janet Eckenberg, this will be the 47th Annual Firemen's Ball. Originally, she was told, it was held at the Wanapum PUD Gymnasium in what is commonly known as Wanapum Village, a couple of miles north of Beverly.

"Not many folks left from that era," she said.

The Fireman's Dinner and Sweetheart's ball is a fundraiser for the District No. 8 Volunteers Association. It has just received 501 (c)3 status and is now a legal charitable organization for the purpose of tax deductions.

"In the past we have bought department clothing for the members (sweatshirts, jackets etc.)," Eckenberg said. "We also donate to community charities, with the Mattawa Area Food Bank being a primary recipient."

The Volunteer Association has donated to the schools, students and teachers. Each year it prepares Christmas bags for pre-kindergarten through second-grade students with help from the Association of Washington Business. Members visit senior citizens at Christmas with blankets and cookies.

"The association believes in giving back to the community in many ways," Eckenberg said. "You can join us in that cause and treat your sweetheart to a special evening too by attending the Fireman's Dinner and Sweetheart's Ball."

Feel free to call Eckenberg at 509-840-4637 with any questions.

Tickets for the Fireman's Dinner and Sweetheart's Ball may be purchased at the fire station in Mattawa, Tiddaly Diddaly's in the Port of Mattawa and the R Place Tavern in Desert Aire.

Persons 21 and over only are invited. There will be a no-host bar and free non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers.