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Date: 12/12/2019
BLANDFORD – The Blandford Fire Association hosted its annual pancake breakfast, craft fair and visit from Santa on Dec. 7. Association spokesperson Derek Daudelin said they had a good turnout, with over 100 residents attending the celebration.
“It’s good public relations, getting our faces out there with the town,” Daudelin said.
The annual breakfast is the main fundraiser for the non-profit organization which raises money to help supplement the needs of the Blandford Fire Department. “We’re trying to build the Fire Association back up,” Daudelin said. Money raised can go towards gear, new training equipment, and new apparatus; items not funded in the department’s regular budget.
This year, the association also hosted a boot drive on Labor Day, something they plan to repeat next year.
Daudelin said much of the money raised at the breakfast comes from sponsors who donate gift cards and baskets for a raffle, which also includes a donated item from each of the craft vendors at the event.
Deputy Chief Tom Piper called the support from area businesses and individuals “outstanding,”
“The support from area businesses tripled. It was encouraging to see that,” Piper said, adding that everything they buy for the breakfast supports local companies.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief Ed Harvey and Pat Lombardo were busy making pancakes, as children timidly approached Santa Claus at the urging of their parents.