Pine River Fire Department Annual Pig Roast a success

Fireworks Depot put on a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

Posted Friday, October 7, 2022 9:58 am

In addition to all the locals, Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Michels stops in to support firefighters

The Pine River Fire Department held their Annual Pig Roast and Open House this past Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, an event that attracted nearly 1,000 people from throughout the community.
Besides the public, several politicians stopped by, including GOP gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels and his running mate Roger Roth. “This is far from a political event,” Pine River Fire Department Captain Mike Caylor said, “However, we are happy that elected officials and candidates recognize this as a major community event and take the time to stop by and shake some hands, and more important, spend some of their money.”

A number of local government officials and candidates for Wisconsin state offices made appearances at the Pine River Fire Department's Annual Pig Roast this past Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.
From L to R: Roger Roth, candidate for Wisconsin Lt. Governor; Jesse Boyd, Lincoln County Supervisor; Calvin Callahan, current represenitive for District 35 in the Wisconsin State Assembly, running for re-election; Tim Michels, candidate for Wisconsin Governor; and Steve Hass, Merrill Mayor.

Food was available, along with music by Bernie Thompson and the Trigger Trippers to keep toes tapping. A bounce house kept the kids happy.
Numerous activities were held to highlight the department and its work in the community. Visitors got to see displays of fire apparatus along with special displays, and the Lifelink helicopter landing for the occasion.

The Lifelink helicopter came in for a landing at the Pine River Fire Department Annual Pig Roast and Open House.

Local businesses donated prizes, and the afternoon was filled with gun raffles, paddle raffles, and raffle tables in addition to the main raffle event. The annual big-ticket raffle brought in thousands for the Department with numerous prizes including $5,000 in cash, which was won by a Stevens Point resident, Caylor said.
Pine River Fire Department Chief John Uttech thanked the fundraising committee, the businesses that donated prizes, and most importantly, everyone who came out to support the firefighters and first responders.
Firefighters responded to a smoke scare right before the big drawing, giving guests a true look at what the Department does.
The Fireworks Depot put on a spectacular fireworks display at dusk, lasting more than 30 minutes.
Although final numbers will not be available for weeks, Uttech is confident the event could possibly break a record. All proceeds support the Pine River Fire Department and its EMS division.