The Friends of Ferndale MT Fire is hosting its annual Bison Barbecue and Community Appreciation Day at the Ferndale Fire Station on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funds raised through the meal and a silent auction allow the volunteer fire department to continue providing services in rural Flathead and Lake counties.  

The meal is $15 for adults and $10 for children. The menu features bison burgers, hotdogs, side dishes and huckleberry ice cream. Free fire truck rides, raffles and a silent auction are also part of the day’s scheduled events, along with live music from Cuppa Jo Zambrano and Miller Campbell.  

Silent auction items include sea kayaks, regular kayaks, a safe with cash, gift certificates for gravel, a stagecoach ride for six, artwork and more. Both a 50/50 raffle and a Henry Golden Boy .22 Rifle Raffle (drawing for the Henry at 3 p.m.), will help raise funds for the fire department. 

The Ferndale Fire Department was established in 1950 and continues to serve 71 square miles in southeastern Flathead County and northern Lake County. The department’s 18 volunteers respond to incidents in this area as well as provide backup for other departments.  

Earlier this year, the department was certified as a quick response unit and is now able to respond to medical emergencies, increasing the volunteers’ ability to serve their community.  

While the Ferndale Fire Department receives funding from Flathead and Lake counties, officials say the annual allotment is not sufficient to cover costs or to replace equipment.  

The department instead relies on community donations to fill in the gaps. Funds raised have been used to purchase a wildland firetruck as well as upgrade equipment and supplies, including turnouts, the protective uniforms worn by firefighters when responding to structural fires to shield against flames.  

The Bison Barbecue is taking place on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Fire Station located at 100 North Ferndale Drive, Bigfork. Parking is available at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church as well as nearby donated lots. For more information, contact Cathie Malison at [email protected] or (208) 290-5607.