37th Annual Firefighters’ Ball
Whiskey Jacques’ will host the 37th Annual Firefighters’ Ball on Saturday, Nov. 19. A rockin’ night to commemorate all that the Ketchum and Sun Valley fire departments do for the community and to help raise funds, the Ball will feature a band and a DJ. This is the only fundraiser that directly benefits the Ketchum and Sun Valley fire departments.
Mingle with the local firefighters and set the dance floor ablaze to the music of Marmalade Hill, the night’s headliner. Hailing from Salt Lake City, Marmalade Hill is a jammin’ cover band.
“Marmalade Hill is a collaboration of friends that all played in local bands growing up,” states the band’s Facebook page. “We have original music but mostly play covers. We have a set list of over 100 mashup songs that cover 70s 80s 90s and current music genre.”
Doors will open at 8 p.m. for the Ball and music will start at 9 p.m. Additionally, DJN8 will be spinning upstairs all night long, providing a different vibe and outlet if the dance floor downstairs gets too hot.
For Mike Elle, Ketchum’s fire chief and department member for over 30 years, the best part of the night is “getting to see old friends and folks from the community, as well as new faces.”
“It’s also great to have the departments together and to be able to talk about old times,” added Ray Franco, Sun Valley’s fire chief.
The annual Firefighters’ Ball is always well attended and an important event for the local fire departments.
“The mission of the Ketchum and Sun Valley Volunteer Firefighters’ Association is to provide training and equipment to help make the departments better at serving the public and providing emergency services,” Chief Elle said.
Funds raised from the Ball go toward helping the community at large through new equipment additions and upgrades, as well as training. Funds from last year’s event enhanced both departments’ ability to communicate with state and federal agencies through the purchase of advanced radio equipment. A new, battery-operated Jaws of Life/Cutter was also acquired, to help allow ambulance crews rapid access to patients trapped in car wrecks.
“All the money we get goes right back into the community,” explained Chief Franco. “Our backcountry rescue trailers got donated from generous members of the public and this event is one way we show our appreciation back to them.”
Tickets for the Ball, now available, sell rapidly and must be purchased at Whiskey Jacques’ with $20 cash. Furthermore, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the fire departments by mailing Ketchum/Sun Valley Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, P.O. Box 1262, Ketchum, Idaho 83340, or donate online at firefighterball.org.
“Get your tickets early and come and enjoy the evening with your local friends and neighbors, some who are probably firefighters,” concluded Chief Elle.
Learn more about the 37th Annual Firefighters’ Ball by visiting firefighterball.org. Whiskey Jacques’ is located on Main Street in Ketchum. Head to whiskeyjacques.com for more information.