The 23rd annual St. Ignatius Fireman’s Auction held at the St. Ignatius Old Town Field this past Saturday was a great success according to the event’s primary organizer, Joe Mitchell. Bouncy houses kept the kids entertained as the adults made their bids in both the silent and live auctions. At least 300 community members attended the auctions which ran from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Several new and longtime members of the fire department were instrumental in planning and carrying out this year’s fundraiser. Mitchell noted that Annie Morigeau, Ray Frey, Tim Mitchell, Bonnie Clark, Reece Bailey and Matt Hout were instrumental in putting on this year’s popular community event. After a bit of a rest, the firefighters will begin work on the 2018 auction as it is the primary fundraising event for the volunteer department although donations are accepted year round. Mitchell thanked the public for their support and noted that money raised through the auction and donations help keep the city from having to raise taxes for the essential services provided by the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department.