Octoberfest

Pine Haven's volunteer fire auxiliary hosted their 21st annual Octoberfest fundraiser this year with numerous guests coming throughout the day on Saturday.

Many items and baskets were donated for the draw; a cup is set in front of each item and those interested write their name on a piece of paper, fold it and put it in the cup to be mixed and drawn after lunch. According to co-organizer Vanna Waters, this is a very popular part of the day's celebration.

Guests enjoyed hot dogs, brats, German stew, a cookie and drink provided by Pinnacle Bank. Kids and kids at heart delighted in having their faces or just their hand painted by local artist Stephanie Mummert.

The winner of the raffle's $500 first prize was Brenda Gideon and the candy jar filled with candy corn made by Darlene Gasner garnered many $1 guesses as to the number of pieces, with Stacy Taylor winning with an estimate of 982, which awarded her the beautiful lighted candy jar full of 984 pieces of candy corn.

By the support of so many, the group experienced one of their best Octoberfests to date, according to Waters. These funds go to Pine Haven's volunteer fire fighters and EMS.

"Our mission is to provide the local fire fighters and EMTs with whatever they need. Most recently we bought dress shirts and t-shirts for all of the Pine Haven firefighters. The fire chief attends our monthly meetings and keeps us up to date with their needs," says Waters.

"In the past we have bought radios, steel toed boots and other safety gear. We stock fresh snacks, beverages and ice in the fire hall and in their vehicles at all times, throughout the year [and] we feed the County Fire Board whenever their meetings are held in Pine Haven."

"We are so thankful to all who donated to this worthy cause by making baked goodies and/or food items and to all who bought a raffle ticket. We printed 500 tickets and sold them all!"