(Okoboji)– Arnolds Park-Okoboji Fire and Rescue will hold its 40th annual Labor Day Auction September 7th
at 1:00 pm at the Barefoot Bar. Department member Duane Zahradnik says the auction features something for everyone…
“You can buy something for $25, you can buy something for $2,500, which is kind of nice. We have like a blow up paddle board, we have fire pits, we have LED signs. They no longer make the neon signs so if you have those, keep them, they’re going to be classic. We have a two bottle Fire Ball chiller, we have gift cards, an inflatable kayak, gift baskets, fishing poles, we have something for everybody. I hope you can join us Monday, September 7th at 1:00 pm at the Barefoot Bar.”
Zahradnik adds all of the proceeds this year go toward the Lakes Area Fire Boat…
“In the water it can supply two engines. You don’t need a hydrant. When the lake’s empty, we’re out of water. Also we have a lot of steep banks in the lakes area. Rather than treking somebody up, you know, 30, 40 steps, we pull the fire boat up, put the victim in a stokes basket, slide them in the fire boat and take them to ground transportation, to an ambulance, which is a lot more comfortable for the patient. It also has a fire suppression system on the boat. We put out boat fires, dock fires, whatever. It pumps 1,500 gallons per minute. Just a really unique piece of equipment. But it is 22 years old and hopefully next year we’ll do a major campaign fund to possibly buy a new boat, but this one, the lakes area needs a fire boat.”
The department is still accepting donated items for the auction. They can be made by contacting Russ Bell at 712-330-9234 or Zahradnik at 712-330-3509. They will also pick up donations, which can also be dropped off at Parks Marina.
A dock party featuring the Last Call Band will follow the auction at 4:00 pm September 7th at the Barefoot Bar.
