Ocracoke’s Firemen’s Ball on May 27 hopes to raise big bucks

Story from the Ocracoke Observer

The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department (OFVD) will hold its annual Firemen’s Ball at the Berkley Barn on Saturday, May 27, beginning at 4 p.m.

This fundraiser, one of the island’s biggest social events, includes BBQ dinners (starting at 5 p.m.) that can be taken home and a silent auction followed by a live auction.

The Dune Dogs and Ocracoke Rockers will follow with live music and dancing.

This is the most important fundraising event for the OVFD, which is in the process of purchasing a new fire truck.

To see the schedule, visit http://www.ocracokevfd.org.

Last year, the ball raised a record amount of about $200,000. This amount was needed since the ball had been canceled the previous two years due to Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OVFD is seeking volunteers for the ball and as members, both as firefighters (junior and adult) and those who can help with administrative duties.

An all-volunteer organization, the OVFD is Ocracoke Island’s only resource for firefighting.

Being an island, Ocracoke must have the best equipment and all personnel ready to go as help from any other fire department is at least two hours away, which puts the island in a very vulnerable position.

The OVFD must have everything it needs to keep the island safe. Plans are underway to replace the 20 plus-year-old pumper truck.

The department does not respond just to fires.

It works closely with the Hyde County Sheriff’s Department and assists the island’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at medevacs.

Unlike other counties, Hyde County has no fire tax and so the company relies heavily on individual and business donations for operating costs.

The OFPA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and contributions are tax deductible.

To donate online, visit http://www.ocracokevfd.org or mail a check to Ocracoke Fire Prevention Association, P.O. Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960.