Firefighter fundraiser July 29 at Sun Lakes

SOAP LAKE — The thing about fire fighting in the Columbia Basin, departments never know when their services will be called into action. They need to be prepared for anything from wildfires to rock climbing or water rescue and everything in between.

The Grant County Fire District No. 7 auxiliary is holding a fundraiser on July 29 to help with expenses to assure the district responsible for coverage from Soap Lake to Dry Falls and all the way over to Wilson Creek has the necessary equipment.

Classic country-rock band Shy-Ann will provide the musical entertainment for the fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m. July 29 at Sun Lakes State Park Resort. Members of the District 7 fire department and auxiliary will be on hand to answer questions and accept donations that will help fund equipment projects or additional educational classes for department members.

“Last year we raised around $600 to help purchase water rescue equipment,” auxiliary member Sheila Burts said. “Our area covers Soap Lake, Lenore, we go all the way up to Dry Falls, so there’s a lot of water and we need to be prepared.

“We’re still hoping to raise money for a boat or a jet ski, but we were able to raise money for basic stuff like rescue boards and kayaks.”

This particular fundraiser does not have a designated project in mind, but it will help build the coffers for the non-profit 501c3 organization so it can be better prepared for projects down the road.

“We now have guys that do rock rescue, so if somebody gets in trouble climbing we can go in and get them out safely,” Burts said. “We have some new equipment to assist them. The fire department’s building up their supplies. Or, if there’s a training class somebody wants to go to, this fundraiser will help us send them to further their education.”

Guests will not need a Discover Pass to get into the concert at Sun Lakes Park Resort on the lawn west of the snack bar. The grounds will not have seating, so concert goers are encouraged to bring camp chair for seating.

“We will have an information booth with a jar set up for people that want to donate. Like I said, last year we raised a little under $600,” Burts said. “We’ll have at least one truck up there because the kids love to get up there and check out the fire truck, even the big kids. We’re set up to take cash and checks, which are tax deductible.”