JULY 23, 2009 ISSUE
Beech Mountain 33rd Annual Fireman’s Gala August 1
The 33rd annual Fireman’s Weekend at Beech Mountain runs from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, August 2, with the headlining Fireman’s Gala beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Ski Beech View Haus on Saturday, August 1.
The Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department provides these events as “a fun and unique way to donate to the fire department and have a great time doing something that you wouldn’t be able to do on a regular basis,” said Danielle Usedom, director of campus recreation at Lees-McRae College and volunteer firefighter.
“It’s a good way to meet and appreciate the firefighters that are protecting them and their houses,” she added.
In years past, the gala was a black-tie affair, but “this year, we’re trying to make it a little more down-home,” she said.
The Beech Mountain Fireman’s Gala this year centers on a 1950s theme, hearkening back to “the great years.”
In the 1950s, a first class stamp cost 3 cents, gas was 20 cents per gallon, Elvis Presley was a teen idol, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected, the color television was introduced, Sputnik 1 was launched and Smokey Bear gained national recognition.
Attendees can come to the gala as they are or opt to dress in a 1950s style.
About 30 percent of the fire department’s budget comes from donations, allowing the department to exceed its basic needs, she added.
Funds generated from past galas have gone toward the purchases of several vehicles, a carbon monoxide oximeter, a striker, a stair chair and have helped maintain more than 12 defibrillators in the community, Usedom said.
The event costs $75 per person, which includes all you can eat, all you can drink, live music by The King Bees and a performance by a special musical guest.
The event will be “nonstop fun, and it’s tax-deductible,” Usedom said.
Other donation options are as follows: donations of $150 to $249 include tickets for two and a chance to win a $150 gift certificate to Fred’s General Mercantile, courtesy of owners Marge and Fred Pfohl; donations of $250 to $499 include tickets for two and a chance to win a $250 gift certificate to Beech Alpen Restaurant, courtesy of owners Fred and Jane Barth; and donations of $500 or more include tickets for two and a chance to win a $500 gift certificate for Beech Club or $500 cash, courtesy of the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.
The event also features chances to win prizes including gift certificates, artwork, sessions with a personal trainer, gift baskets and more.
Children can come, but there is no discounted children’s price.
A golf tournament will be held on Saturday, August 1, with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Play will be a modified scramble gross and net, and the entry fee is $75. The maximum number of players will be 120, and signing up as a foursome is strongly recommended.
A tennis tournament will be held Friday to Sunday, July 31 to August 2. The format is doubles play. The entry fee is $40 and includes lunch, and space is limited.
The registration deadline for the tennis and golf tournaments is Wednesday, July 29.
To sign up for either tournament, stop by either the tennis or golf shop in person or call the Beech Mountain Club at 828-387-2372 for golf and 828-387-4208 for tennis.
For more information about the gala, email BMVFDgala@gmail.com
To RSVP for the gala, either pay at the door or send checks and names of those attending to BMVFD Gala, PO Box 128, Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Ski Beech View Haus
Cost: $75 per person
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