Turkey dinner raises funds for Kimball VFD

KIMBALL, Wis. - The line stretched out the door and into the parking lot of the Kimball Community Center at one point, as residents came out to support the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department's annual turkey dinner Sunday.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout, estimating at least 700 people bought tickets to the dinner, either showing up in person, placing take-out orders or having meals delivered.

"Even with the line out to the sidewalk there were still open seats, so there was a good flow," department chief John Smith said. He said it wouldn't be the most meals served, but the attendance was within the event's average.

Although there was a steady flow of people throughout the day, according to Smith, he said there were some temporary lulls that actually helped because they gave the volunteers a chance to switch out and restock items.

Now its 38th year, the dinner is a fundraiser for the 18-member Kimball fire department.

The money raised during the dinner will help with equipment purchases, according to Smith, and may also be used as part of a local match for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant. Smith said the grant would be used to purchase wild land fire equipment.

Smith thanked 4-H members and other volunteers who helped with the event, as well as the members of other fire departments in the area who came to support the event.