On Saturday, August 5 at 6pm, the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual ball on the Town Green behind the firehouse. Residents from Sherman and surrounding towns will descend upon the summer idyll with plans to feast, talk, and dance into the night.
Event organizers expect over 400 partygoers will attend the ball, the largest yearly fundraiser to support the town’s all-volunteer organization for fire and ambulance services. Many of the attendees will have familiar faces who have regularly attended the ball in its over five decades of existence. Others will be newcomers who are welcomed and encouraged to take part in this charming affair.
The ball has even more of a shine this year, as Sherman Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 75th anniversary. With the motto of “Ever Vigilant, Always Ready” this group deserves a relaxed, joyful night of celebration and recognition. The volunteers vacillate between attending the event in street clothes or donning their more formal uniforms, but given the significance of the year they may lean toward the latter. In keeping, they may include a formal “march” through the crowd as well.
The event’s planning committee begins meeting in November each year and spends the next 10 months perfecting the details to ensure that the gala goes off without a hitch. They work closely with Sherman IGA to purchase ingredients for a renowned succulent and perfectly-spiced roast beef, and for accompanying summer-favorite side dishes, such as corn on the cob and baked beans. As in years past, the committee has been grateful to receive a number of donations, including desserts from American Pie Company, dinner rolls from The Goodie Shop, pasta from Amore, and more.
The evening transitions fluidly from dinner into music. A DJ will spin mellow tunes during the buffet, will kick off the dancing with a few slower oldies, and then the rocking begins. Christine Walsh, EMS Captain of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department, says “people dance all night from the time dinner ends.”
Walsh went on to say that every year she looks forward to “being able to see all of my neighbors in one place. To sit down, casually, and have conversations with everyone.”
If you’re up for a summer highlight night of great conversation, delicious fare (“that roast beef” Walsh dreamily pondered), and delightful dancing, the Sherman Volunteer Fireman’s Ball is for you.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Call (860) 354-3937 or email ShermanVFD@gmail.com.
By Sarah Opdahl