Annual fire department traditions return, new festival debuts

From the Three Lakes Firemen's Picnic's 69th year to Eagle River's inaugural Firemen's Festival, area fire departments are planning a full slate of August events to bring communities together while raising funds for local emergency services.

Three Lakes

The Three Lakes Fire Department will host its 69th annual Firemen's Picnic Saturday, Aug. 1, from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Don Burnside Park, 6931 Stanzil St. in Three Lakes.

Saturday's activities include a dinner featuring smoked pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, smoked apple pie baked beans and freshly fried potato chips, along with live music by Paul Eswein, a 50/50 raffle and a cornhole tournament beginning at 5 p.m., sponsored by the Northern Lights Snowmobile Club.

Sunday's picnic will feature brats, burgers, fresh corn, beer, root beer floats, live music by Scott Kirby, a 50/50 raffle, raffle baskets, prizes and children's games.

The event is made possible through sponsorships, donations and volunteers from community members and area businesses.

For more information, visit the Three Lakes Fire Department Facebook page, email tlfd@townofthreelakeswi.gov or call 715-546-3626.

Arbor Vitae

Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue will celebrate its 50th annual Fireman's Summerfest Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, at Fireman's Park, 10672 Big Arbor Vitae Drive. Admission is $5.

Saturday's festivities run from 11 a.m. to midnight and include lawnmower races at 1 p.m., a horseshoe tournament with registration from 9 to 10 a.m., a bounce house, face painting, raffles, live music, dancing and fireworks. Brad Emanuel will perform from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Chris Kroeze from 7 to 11 p.m.

Sunday's schedule includes trap shooting at 8 a.m., a car show at 10 a.m., water fights at 1 p.m. and a bounce house, face painting, live music and dancing throughout the day. Karley Davidson will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Bootjack Road from 2 to 5 p.m. Grand prize raffle drawings are scheduled for 5 p.m.

The event will be held rain or shine. No carry-ins or pets are allowed.

For more information, visit the Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Facebook page or call 715-356-9247.

Conover

Conover Fire and Rescue and Conover Ambulance will host a Summer Throwback Party from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Conover Town Park, 4697 Park Circle.

The event will feature games for children and adults, a walk-on-water pool, bounce house, slip-and-slide, cornhole tournament, a broasted chicken and rib dinner, corn on the cob and a children's hot dog meal. Live music by Blackbird will be held from 7 to 10 p.m.

Proceeds will support the purchase of new equipment and department maintenance.

For more information, call 715-891-2988.

Eagle River

The Eagle River Fire Department will launch its first Firemen's Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Vilas County Fairgrounds in Eagle River.

The inaugural event will feature food trucks, a beer and soda stand, raffle prizes donated by local businesses and children's activities including a foam party, bounce house, walk-on-water pool, slip-and-slide, face painting and balloon animals.

Traditional firefighter competitions are also planned, including water barrel competitions between area fire departments and obstacle courses.

The department's new ladder truck will be used for a 50/50 golf ball drop fundraiser, with proceeds supporting operational equipment for the volunteer department.

For more information, visit the Eagle River Fire Department Facebook page or call 715-479-8835.